Message from Scripture: 6/3/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 5:1-2; “Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.”

How much do we think about what we say and do, and the impact it will have on others? Recent events in society reminds us how sin is so active, and how seeking what one wants personally doesn’t always align with what God wants, and how destructive it can be. Not just the actions we take, but the motives from which such actions come are important to God. This is why, to counter some of the selfish actions Paul mentions in Eph. 4:25-31, we are asked to follow in the footsteps of Christ, to imitate God and what is godly.

Several years ago I remember seeing a teenager wearing a T-Shirt which said, “I am my own role model.” We understand that such a philosophy only leads to sinful conduct, but so many revel in it today. It is sinful as it only considers what one wants, not the needs of others. It is sinful as it only takes one’s desires into consideration, not the will of God. I will never forget years ago a Christian scream to me, “This is what I want!” with no consideration of its impact on others. I believe at some point in time, this is what we all see in ourselves if we are being honest with ourselves.

Jesus said we must take off the old self to put on the new self (Eph. 4:22-24). He said we must deny ourselves (Matt. 16:24). He said through Paul by inspiration to live is Christ (Phil. 1:21). He said through Peter by inspiration Christ must be Lord in our hearts, that before anything else, He comes first (1 Pet. 3:21). May we humble ourselves and seek first His kingdom, His righteousness. If we will, Christ will truly be our role model. God bless.

Robert