Who do You Try to Imitate?

Commentary

Paul continues his discussion on the conduct of believers. He says that each Christian should be an imitator of God because he is a child of God (v. 1). Just as children imitate their parents, so should a believer imitate God. This should begin by walking in Christ-like love (v.2). Love is the Christians’ standard for daily conduct. As Christians we have the opportunity of imitating God by loving others, even to the point of death if necessary.

If we are going to walk in love we must abstain from evil practices (v. 3). He warns us against the sexual sins (fornications) which were so prevalent in that day and still are today. Then he lists covetousness which is only a different expression of the same basic sin which is an uncontrolled appetite. People who have sinful appetites usually also have sinful speech. Warren Wiersbe says, “two indications of a person’s character are what makes him laugh and what makes him weep.” This means conversation that is offensive to Christian decency and makes light of sin. The gift of wit is a blessing but attached to a sinful mind it becomes a curse. Don’t use dirty or foolish or filthy words. Instead, say how thankful you are (v. 4).

At the time Paul was writing this there were false Christians who argued that believers could live in sin and get away with it. He makes it clear that people who deliberately live in sin will not share in God’s kingdom (v. 5). These warnings  deal with the habitual practice of sin and not a one time act such as David. Don’t let anyone trick you with foolish talk (v. 6). God punishes everyone who disobeys him and says foolish things. So don’t have anything to do with anyone like that (v. 7).

Application

On a scale of 1 to 10 how do I rate myself as to being an imitator of Christ by loving others?