Be imitators of God

17May
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. … For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. … Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. … Be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
-Ephesians 5:1-20

Be imitators of God. Like most parents, one role I try to play in my children’s lives is that of caretaker, keeping an eye on who they will endeavor to follow as an example or model. We all grow up admiring people and decide we want to be like that person. As we get into our formative years, some of us are blessed with incredible mentors. I do not know who my children will grow up wanting to be like – hopefully their mother!


But there are character traits, Godly traits, I hope they develop as they grow up. When my oldest child was born, I wrote her a letter that provides: “I hope you always hold tight to the good things in life – love, kindness, hope, passion, resilience, grace. … Remember that the greatest gift someone can give another person is believing in them. I want you to always believe in people, your community, your country, and the world.” Based on this letter to the Ephesians, I'd add that I hope my children are willing to sacrifice for others when necessary, that they live as children of the light, that they are wise, and that they are thankful for what God gives them. I hope they are imitators of the love and mercy God gives us.


Musical Reflection- Teach Your Children Well - Allison Krause, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

For the Care of Children BCP p.829

ChildrenLove

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