Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children (Ephesians 5:1).
Knowing God and imitating God are two different things. The demons know about God, but they do not follow Him (James 2:19) because they do not exercise biblical faith. There are three parts to biblical faith: knowledge, understanding, and practice. The last one—practice—is what makes faith biblical. If your faith is not authentically activated, it’s not biblical faith.
A Christian’s faith is Christlike. I have five tips to help you “flesh out” what it means to look like Jesus to your family. You can immediately implement these characteristics into your home. Along with each tip are application questions that will aid you in this opportunity to imitate God the Father to your children.
God Is an Example – Christ’s life was the example of what you are to become. Similarly, what you model before your children will have a lifetime impact on them (Ephesians 5:1).
God Is Honest – The Father is honest with you because He is the truth (John 14:6). Leading your children by being open with them is one of the ways you can honor God.
God Is an Encourager – The Father uses kindness as a means to motivate you to change (Romans 2:4). It is His great love for you (John 3:16) that transforms you (Romans 12:1-2).
God Is a Servant – Christ is the epitome of servanthood. One of His purposes for coming to earth was to serve you, which is at the heart of the gospel (Mark 10:45).
A portion of this kind of serving includes acts of sanctification like confession, honesty, forgiveness, kindness, encouragement, motivation, and humility. Biblically serving your family is more than washing dishes; it’s active repentance too.
God Is Love – Love is an action word. The Lord is the ultimate action Lover. He is not distant or passive when it comes to His children (John 1:14).
Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.
In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).