City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

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.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV)

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses instruct us to imitate God as dear children and to walk in sacrificial love as Christ demonstrated for us by laying down His life and picking up the cross. 

It’s endearing and reassuring that we’re instructed to imitate God as “dear children.” When children imitate someone or something, they may not do it perfectly or precisely, but they do it from their hearts with such sincerity and purity. Imitating God is a mark that we belong to Him and are His dear children. 

Not only that, but verse 2 shows us that God does not ask us to do anything that He is not willing to do.  Verse 2 instructs us to walk in love as Christ did. It’s encouraging to note that love is something we walk in. To walk connotes a journey or a process–something we do step by step. Presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice to God as Christ did is not easy. That requires maturity, trust, and obedience. 

These two verses show us the progression of growing from dear children to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (reference Ephesians 4:13 ESV). 

Application

How does growth happen practically? The only way it can be done is through our relationship with God and others. Just as children thrive when they come from a stable, loving home, believers grow steadily by staying connected to God and other believers in a community of faith.

Today’s application exercise is to find ways to stay connected and follow through. Start by taking a moment to connect with God. Find a private, quiet place and pray. Tell God how much you need Him. Thank Him for all He’s done and all He’s doing. Don’t let your love toward Him grow cold. 

Next, connect or stay engaged in community with other believers. When you’re at church on Sunday, sit next to someone you don’t know, and start a conversation. Join or stay faithful in attending a small group. Befriend someone you know will keep you accountable in your walk with God. 

Doing things like that on a consistent basis helps us grow in Christ. 

Prayer

Father God, thank You for giving me a fresh start in Christ. I want to grow in Christ. I want to mature to the full measure of who He is. Lord give me the grace to follow You even when it’s costly. Help me stay consistent and obedient to Your ways. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.