Imitators of Christ

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” - Ephesians 5:1-2 
 
I once heard a fable about a man who was born with a facial deformity. He grew up isolated and lonely. When he became an adult, he decided to move to a new town and start over. On his journey, he found a mask that made him look handsome. It took him a while to get used to wearing the mask, but he wore it daily so no one would see his real face.  

In his new town, he fell in love, got married, and had many friends. However, an evil woman from his hometown found out about his new life and was jealous. She found the man, and in front of his friends and family, she ripped the mask off. When the mask was removed, to everyone’s surprise, there was a handsome face underneath. The man’s face had conformed to the mask because he had worn it for so long.  

What mask are you wearing today? Is it one of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness, as God would have it? Or is it one of jealousy, envy, anger, impatience, hatred, and turmoil? Those things that we imitate we often become like.  

No matter who you are or what your calling is, all of us are called to be like Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
 
While we cannot be God, we are expected to be like God. The Bible says we are made in the image and likeness of God. Paul said we are to be imitators of Christ. And to do everything as unto the Lord. Seek to be more like Jesus Christ today!