Devotion 15 October 2026
Since you are God's dear children, you must try to be like him. Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God. Ephesians 5: 1-2
READING: Philippians 3: 7-4: 1
Our family used to tell the story of my sister, as a very young child, just learning to talk, “helping” Dad at his workbench while Mom was at the shops. When my mother came home, she found her husband with a very sore thumb and a little girl walking around with a delighted expression on her face, continually muttering d…, d…, d… !
Kids often imitate their parents in everything, whether good or bad. This is no less true for adults. When it comes to Christianity, faith is passed on not just from reading the Bible; it is handed down from person to person. Christians learn from leaders and family how faith is lived out and practised - and this comes primarily through imitating what they see.
Therefore, it is good for us to ask the question: “Who do I imitate?” because, whether we admit it or not, we do mimic and copy others. And, we pass on what we become, to others.
We ought to imitate Christ (Ephesians 5: 1). But because we are human, we also seek the companionship of others. So, it is imperative that, in the people we listen to either virtually or in person, as well as the authors we read, we should seek out those in whom we see the characteristics of Christ - those who walk according to His example of virtue, sacrifice, and commitment.
Paul advises us to mimic those who have proved themselves in hardship and have come through it loving God and serving others out of grace and humility (Eph 5:2). In a world of where TV and the internet bombard us with ‘expert’ advice, where YouTube preachers and teachers look so good, where the activities of influencers, populist leaders and charismatic celebrities are held up before us daily, we are required to choose wisely.
Paul considers that he is far short of being perfect (Philippians 3:12,13), but he still offers himself, in humility, as an example to follow (v17).
Christ is calling us to examine with humility and curiosity the words and ways of Jesus, to seek out the mentorship and companionship of Christlike people, and to live in such as way that we can demonstrate to others what labouring for justice, righteousness, holiness, and godliness looks like in our modern world.
Prayer
Almighty God, enable me to incorporate the love of Christ in my life to such a degree that it proves to be an example of grace and peace. Give me a broader and deeper understanding of the lessons I need to discover from others wiser than myself. Allow me to learn and change, through Jesus Christ my Lord, in the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen
