"IMITATORS OF GOD???"

Ephesians 5:1-4             (ESV)
"1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving."


Growing up, I watched The Lone Ranger regularly.  I used to role play myself as the Lone Ranger and leave the role of Tonto to my imagination!   In my mind, I would walk and talk just like the Lone Ranger and would even try to do no wrong, as (as I perceived things) the Lone Ranger NEVER did anything wrong!

For the past SEVERAL days, maybe two weeks, the song written by Geron Davis named "Nothing less than Holiness" has been on my mind.  The part that says "I want to be like JESUS" is my favorite part.  While reading scripture this morning I was caused to stop and ponder the verses listed above.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus that they should be "imitators of God" in their lives.  And that they should "walk in LOVE" just as Christ did for us, and gave HIMSELF for us.  There is no place for sexual sins or self gratification among Believers.  Scripture even says there should "be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking"!  I am not suggesting that believers should carry themselves as "holier than thou" individuals.  Paul was forewarning us that "idle conversation" can easily get out of control, and that is not indicative to "imitating" Christ

I used to "imitate" the Lone Ranger in my younger years.  As I matured, the Lone Ranger became less of a role model for me.  The more I study scripture, the more I can SEE how CHRIST was, HE is, and will be, the ONE we should endeavor to "IMITATE" in our actions and with our lives!