Ephesians, Day 6 | Ephesians 5 – 6:9
Becoming a Genuine Imitation
I snicker at phrases that, after some thought, seem either contradictory or painfully obvious. For example, “jumbo shrimp.” Or “civil war.” “Free gift.” “For sale by owner” — no kidding. How about “Seating is limited.” Otherwise it would be an infinite theater. One of my favorites is the warning found in the heating directions on frozen meals: “Caution! Product will be hot!” Duh.
The same could be said for the phrase, “genuine imitation.” What is a false imitation? The real thing?
Paul always masterfully ends his theological epistles with practical applications, and rightfully so. Of what value is theology if it doesn’t work out in our life? In Ephesians 5:1, the apostle urges us, in light of our new life in Christ, to “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” He calls us to be genuine imitators of God.
In light of that new life, disciples of Christ are to be light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8 – 9). We are to shine that light in three key areas as we walk in love (Ephesians 5:2): our world, our family, and our workplace.
In the world (Ephesians 5:3 – 21), believers spread the light as they live in contrast to the unsaved culture’s values, as saints (Ephesians 5:3) and citizens of His kingdom (Ephesians 5:4). This means walking in moral and ethical purity, always seeking God’s will, not the fulfillment of our own lusts (Ephesians 5:10, 17). Not only must we not be partners in evil, we should expose it (Ephesians 5:11). Followers of Christ encourage one another with spiritual songs, grateful hearts, and humble spirits (Ephesians 5:19 – 21).
Family members spread light in the home by how they treat each other in a genuinely anticultural way. Wives submit to their own husbands (Say THAT out loud in public!) (Ephesians 5:22). Husbands love, not lord it over, their own wives and encourage their purity in a monogamous, heterosexual, permanent bond (Ephesians 5:25 – 30). Fathers, who can be prone to ruling the roost instead of leading in love, can frustrate their children by a domineering attitude, but they should raise their children by preaching and modeling Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:1 – 4).
Employers and employees light up the office by treating each other fairly, trading an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay (Ephesians 6:5 – 9), keeping in mind that they have a master in heaven.
It all circles back to Paul’s admonition to “be imitators of God” (Ephesians 5:1). Are you ready to be a genuine imitation of God?
Alan Allegra