Children Imitate by Example
More Than Flattery — A Fragrant Offering
SCRIPTURE:
Ephesians 5:1-2 CSB - Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
OBSERVATION:
In the opening verse of Chapter 5, Paul gives us the key to overcoming the behaviors he warns us about throughout the chapter.
He encourages us to imitate.
Imitators - Oscar Wilde once said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” But what Paul is talking about goes beyond flattery. He’s not referring to imitation as something that appears genuine on the outside but is the opposite on the inside. Rather, he speaks of becoming a true reflection—a living copy—of who God is.
It begins with recognizing that we are God’s dearly loved children. As such, we should walk in love, not just any kind of love, but the love Christ demonstrated at the cross: a sacrificial, fragrant offering.
Children often adopt their parents’ mannerisms, speech, and attitudes. This can be either humorous or humbling—and sometimes both. For parents, there’s no greater joy than seeing our children walk in the spiritual legacy we’ve passed down, following Jesus and making their faith their own.
So too, with God. When we follow His example—by modeling our lives after Jesus Christ, loving unconditionally in a sacrificial, fragrant way—it pleases our Heavenly Father.
Fragrant Offering - What fragrance does the world smell from you and me? Is it a fragrant offering or a foul stench? In our attempts to bring righteousness to the world, have we instead come across as the religious leaders of Jesus’ day—self-righteous and unapproachable? Or are we the sweet aroma of Christ, drawing even the hardest hearts toward God?
Ephesians 5:1-2 CSB - Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
OBSERVATION:
In the opening verse of Chapter 5, Paul gives us the key to overcoming the behaviors he warns us about throughout the chapter.
He encourages us to imitate.
Imitators - Oscar Wilde once said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” But what Paul is talking about goes beyond flattery. He’s not referring to imitation as something that appears genuine on the outside but is the opposite on the inside. Rather, he speaks of becoming a true reflection—a living copy—of who God is.
It begins with recognizing that we are God’s dearly loved children. As such, we should walk in love, not just any kind of love, but the love Christ demonstrated at the cross: a sacrificial, fragrant offering.
Children often adopt their parents’ mannerisms, speech, and attitudes. This can be either humorous or humbling—and sometimes both. For parents, there’s no greater joy than seeing our children walk in the spiritual legacy we’ve passed down, following Jesus and making their faith their own.
So too, with God. When we follow His example—by modeling our lives after Jesus Christ, loving unconditionally in a sacrificial, fragrant way—it pleases our Heavenly Father.
Fragrant Offering - What fragrance does the world smell from you and me? Is it a fragrant offering or a foul stench? In our attempts to bring righteousness to the world, have we instead come across as the religious leaders of Jesus’ day—self-righteous and unapproachable? Or are we the sweet aroma of Christ, drawing even the hardest hearts toward God?
As we imitate God, we become representatives of God, especially before those who have shut God out of their lives. – David Guzik
What are we sent into the world for? Is it not that we may keep men in mind of God, whom they are most anxious to forget? If we are imitators of God, as dear children, they will be compelled to recollect that there is a God, for they will see his character reflected in ours. I have heard of an atheist who said he could get over every argument except the example of his godly mother: he could never answer that. – Charles Spurgeon
What are we sent into the world for? Is it not that we may keep men in mind of God, whom they are most anxious to forget? If we are imitators of God, as dear children, they will be compelled to recollect that there is a God, for they will see his character reflected in ours. I have heard of an atheist who said he could get over every argument except the example of his godly mother: he could never answer that. – Charles Spurgeon
APPLICATION:
Oscar Wilde may have captured the idea of imitation and flattery. But when we imitate Christ, we don’t just flatter—we offer praise, honor, and glory to the Father.
Let our lives not merely flatter God but also offer Him audible praise and a sweet-smelling aroma. Let us imitate Jesus not out of obligation but because we are dearly loved children of God.
PRAYER:
Jesus, may I not merely flatter You, but praise You. In my desire to imitate You, may I do so by the power of Your Spirit—as a sacrificial, fragrant offering of love. I know I can accomplish this only by reflecting Your character, nature, and attitude.
Oscar Wilde may have captured the idea of imitation and flattery. But when we imitate Christ, we don’t just flatter—we offer praise, honor, and glory to the Father.
Let our lives not merely flatter God but also offer Him audible praise and a sweet-smelling aroma. Let us imitate Jesus not out of obligation but because we are dearly loved children of God.
PRAYER:
Jesus, may I not merely flatter You, but praise You. In my desire to imitate You, may I do so by the power of Your Spirit—as a sacrificial, fragrant offering of love. I know I can accomplish this only by reflecting Your character, nature, and attitude.
Imitating God isn't about looking the part on the outside — it's about becoming so saturated in His love that the world can't help but smell the difference.
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