Does that say what I think it says?
That’s my reaction sometimes when I read the Bible. Actually, that’s my reaction a lot of times, especially when I’m preparing to teach the Bible.
“Be imitators of God.”
That’s the instruction Paul gives in Ephesians 5:1, a verse we will look at along with the next verse this Sunday at the Gathering Church (which will be gathering at Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center – not at our normal Creekside location).
How is it that Paul could expect ordinary people to act like God?
Don’t get me wrong. I act like God all the time. But not in the right ways. Anytime I think that I am ultimately in control of my life, I’m acting like God. Anytime I judge someone for who they are or for something they have done, I’m acting like God.
But, Paul’s not talking about those sorts of things, the things we do to replace God.
Because of the new life that Jesus Christ gives, it is the most natural expectation that we will take on the very character of God.
And that’s amazing.
This Sunday, we gather outdoors beside a beautiful lake to worship, to celebrate the baptism of some people and to grow into our new life.
It will be a good day.