Being Imitators of Christ

Ephesians 5: 6-11

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore, do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

Even though salvation is acquired once, it requires constant effort to keep working out our salvation. In order for our bodies to be fit, we eat healthy food and exercise regularly. Likewise, we must eat the Bread of life that was broken for us and drink the Blood of forgiveness that was shed for us while exercising our faith on a regular basis. In doing so, we will remain constant in faith and in reliance on Jesus. Just as Christ lived and loved, so must we live and love imitating Him as long as there is breath in our lungs.

In our current world, in our churches, in our work places and even in our own families, we have allowed the devil to sneak in by compromising our beliefs, morals and faith all in the name of blending in, or keeping peace or being politically correct. Numerous times we compromise so we could please others in our lives. Even with guilt gnawing at us, we choose to stand with the world and not stand firm with Jesus. We don’t take a stance against sin or evil for fear of being ostracized. Knowingly and willingly, we allow ourselves to be deceived by the darkness of this world.

Jesus asked us to be in the world but not part of the world. He asked us to shine light on the dark world around us. He commanded us to live like children of light, bearing witness of the light of Jesus that shines brightly within us. How dare we then, snuff this Light by compromising! Churches have compromised their values just so they remain popular and welcoming. They fear losing members of the congregation rather than fearing God’s wrath that comes on those who are disobedient. In doing so, the churches have become inept in maintaining a high moral stance. Instead of exposing the darkness around them, they have entertained the darkness within their walls.

True Christians must make their stance in remaining uncompromised when it comes to being imitators of Christ. As children of light, our lives, actions, and words should reflect our faith. We must denounce and avoid any kind of ‘fruitless deeds of darkness’ at all cost. We should dare to expose such deeds of sin, instead of remaining timid, which can also be interpreted as approval of sin. We must condemn the people who not only make excuses for their bad behavior, but also encourage others to follow suit. In doing so, we will reflect God’s love and goodness to the world around us. As bearers of true light, we must lovingly, speak out what is true and right.

Ephesians 5: 13, 14

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

”Beloved Saints, let us wake up from our laid-back attitudes and slumber. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to stir up the flame within us, so we will stand boldly defying the compromised bride of Christ. In this effort, let us remain firm in steering the Church towards the true Light of Jesus. For on that Day, she will be presented to the Bridegroom as a flawless bride.