Daily devotional, August 12, 2024
Replica
"Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked."
1 John 2:6
One of the quirks of online shopping is discerning whether the item is original or not. In some areas, the terms are even more confusing because some sellers use the term “authentic” to describe a top of the line copy or imitation of a product. The best way to ensure though that the product is not counterfeit is to source it directly from the manufacturer’s official store. Sadly, even the price of the item can no longer assure that it is an original product. This is because counterfeit sellers know that buyers have become smart enough to realize that if the price is too low then it is not the real thing.
There is one kind of copying or imitation though that does not offend or harm anyone’s interest. It is being an imitator of God. As followers of Jesus, we are all being called to grow in Christlikeness and to follow our Lord and Savior’s example.
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."
Ephesians 5:1-2
As Christians, we are to endeavor to follow Jesus Christ’s lead in all things like humility, in generosity, in lovingkindness, and mercifulness. It is a tall-order, and very challenging in this world, but it is doable when we draw strength from Him.
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”
1 Peter 2:21
But why do we have to imitate Jesus? Well, ask yourself why you subconsciously copy the moves and the likes of the people you admire and follow? Why do you try everything that your favorite influencer does? Why do you try to speak like her or him, and dress accordingly too?
Jesus has done far greater things for us than that influencer could ever do. He died for us and called us out of the darkness, and if gratefulness is not even in your heart, then maybe you have not surrendered your life to Him after all. If your heart does not prod you to do wonderful things towards others and for God’s kingdom, because of Jesus, then maybe it is time to reassess where you stand in your faith.
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:4-7
So how do we become imitators of Christ? When we put to death our own desires and live for others, that is when we become imitators of our Messiah. When we put our relationship with the Heavenly Father above all else, we become Christlike. When we love and forgive even our harshest critic, worst basher, traitor of our life, and hardened enemy, we become like Jesus.
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
We however cannot copy what we do not know. Even plagiarists need documents to base their supposed work on. So what do we do? We study God’s word and meditate on it. We try to understand what it means in our lives, and how best we could apply it. We use it as our moral compass. so that we would know what Jesus would do if He was the one faced with the decisions we have to make.
We have to build a relationship with Him, by praying to Him every single day. We can pour out our hearts to Him, or just be still and listen to Him in our hearts. We also have to spend time with others whom He has also forgiven. Fellowship with other believers is important, and so is worshipping God with them.
So how do we know if we are starting to grow in Christlikeness? Simple. People will see Christ in us. Not a fake, phony, or counterfeit version of God — but a replica of His kindness, graciousness, and merciful nature.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Ephesians 5:1-20 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you consciously tried to copy Jesus’ behavior and character?
Conversation with the Lord: _ Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us Your Son, Jesus Christ. I want to grow in Christlikeness my Lord, so please empower me to know more about Jesus and think and act like Him. I want to glorify your name, and show my love for you above all else. Amen.
