Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Ephesians 5:1

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Have you ever followed another person that closely?

When I was younger (much younger) I remember watching an aspiring young preacher mimicking the mannerisms and speech patterns of his favorite pastor/teacher. While I am sure he used some of the same phrases and inflection in his voice, what I remember most was his presence on the platform and the specific way he held his Bible while he spoke. 

In the opening verse of Ephesians 5, Paul encouraged these young believers who imitated Paul and, more importantly, the Lord.  He gave the same command to the Corinthians, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 and the church in Thessalonica received the same challenge –

You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 

1 Thessalonians 1:5-7

As the Thessalonians followed Paul’s example, they became positive examples themselves in Macedonia and Achaia and “everywhere” (1 Thessalonians 1:8).

Would people be able to say that I am serving the “living and true God”?  Where and how can I follow Christ more closely?  Maybe it is in my attitude in my speech or in the things I do.