IMITATORS OF GOD…9/3/08
by StevePaul wrote: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2). Christianity has, for almost two thousand years, emphasized the second part of that passage, celebrating the cross, almost to the exclusion of the first part.
It seems to me that the times call for a reversal of our emphasis. Historically and biblically, our understandings of Jesus have been very diverse. Church historian Elaine Pagels notes that many who called Jesus “Lord” did not limit his work to the cross. In fact, three of the four gospels emphasize lifestyle rather than belief.
What our world cries out for today is men and women who are committed to following the way of Jesus Christ…the way of self-sacrifice, putting others before self, loving one’s enemies, and practicing non-violence. If ever we were to put Jesus’ guiding principles into practice, becoming “imitators of God,” then we would indeed be a force to be reckoned with…a force for love and compassion which would really turn the world upside down.
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three of the four gospels emphasize lifestyle rather than belief…
I am happy to see you write this, Steve. Jesus was a man of action, DOING good works for the impoverished, lonely, and sick folks of his time, as we should be and are doing.
Merely believing in Jesus does not help anyone heal, rise up out of a financial bind, or befriend anyone.
We need to EMULATE Jesus, the man, not just adore Jesus, the symbol of Christianity.
This will also be the subject of Sunday’s sermon. Stay tuned!