God’s Example
Ephesians (NKJV) 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Dear Friends, The epistle of Ephesians is a profound work of God. It is one of Apostle Paul’s prison epistle and it summarises the whole Bible. It gives the whole idea of God’s redemptive work.
The above mentioned chapter starts with love then as it progresses it talks about the relation of husband and wife, followed by the description of Christ as the husband and leader of Church. The church has a lot things to offer these days. All kind of courses, great worship, teachings, seminar and conferences etc.. The aspect which is missing is love, without love all these things have no impact. John 3;16 say ” For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,”. HIS act of sacrificing HIS son was based on love. God loves the Church but does the Church love God?.
Apostle Paul instructs the church to imitate Christ. But the Church imitates Christ in a way that suits people. People are ready to walk in love as long as it is comfortable for them to do so. Church is not a building nor it ends on a Sunday. Church begins or operates where two or three are gathered in His name. It may be your family, work place or neighbourhood. Generally the reflection of Christ ends the moment the sermon is over. But the Apostle is instructing the Church to imitate Christ in every aspect life. The verse says that He gave himself as an offering, out of love and compassion for us. What are we ready to give up as imitators of Christ? Our ego, false thought processes and philosophies are more precious to us than the teachings of Christ.
God does place difficult people in our lives. It’s not for changing them but to upgrade our version of Christianity. Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)As iron sharpens iron,So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. When a blade is sharpened, there is a lot of friction and heat. How do we deal with it, tells us what and whom we follow. Is it the teachings of Christ or the rules of our flesh.
Life of Jesus Christ is an example for all of us. As imitators of Christ our job is to be like fragrance in the places and situation that stinks. It can be your family relationships, workplace or neighbourhood. Be like a fragrance pleasing to our Lord God, that can suppress any foul smell of sin and false living. Have a blessed day Pastor T.Bakshi