I Like Simple
The more writing I do the more likely it is I will be remembered for two things:
- I Like Simple
- Sonic Drive-in
One’s preferences and habits have a way of showing up in blogs, lessons, and sermons! In this case, it’s I Like Simple. And there is a very simple command given to us in Ephesians 5:1 –
Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children
In terms of a command, that is pretty straightforward and simple. I quote and teach this verse regularly. As simple as it may sound, how does one imitate Christ? Truthfully, there are many ways to do this. But Paul immediately gave an answer when he wrote the command –
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.
OK. Imitating Him means walking in love. When the Bible speaks of walking in righteousness, or love, or various other things the idea is daily living. The thoughts are simple, but the scope is huge!
To Walk In Love
Walk in love…My life/your life is to be consumed and characterized by choices made for the good of others. Which others? That, Detective, is the right question! To walk in love is to love God with my whole being (whole heart, soul, mind & strength). Additionally, it would mean:
- Loving the family of God
- Acting with love toward those who will never believe the Gospel and receive God’s gift of salvation
- Loving those who will be hostile to me because of what I believe
- Responding in love to those who are happy to be loved but will not return it
- Allowing fellow believers (we share the same call to love!) to love me
- Giving to the needs of others
- Preferring others in the family of God over myself
- To walk in love…means being a living example of Jesus Christ
Sounds hard, doesn’t it? The same one inspired to write these simple things was also inspired to write another simple thing:
I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength
You’ll recognize that from Philippians 4:13. And these simple things demand a decision: He’s either trustworthy or He isn’t. There’s no middle ground. I don’t know where these things challenge you. My challenges come in trusting for enough mission volunteers and financial resources to teach pastors, build churches, rescue women from sex trafficking/prostitution, install water systems, clothe orphans, maintain a ministry, etc. Is He faithful? Yes! Do I have to know how He will make provision to love through me? No. That’s why it’s called faith.
Commit to be an imitator of Him. He can and will take care of the rest!
Soli Deo Gloria!
PS: Originally published March 2015 – edited.
