What If?

"Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma." Ephesians 5:1-2

We sat across from each other at our own little table made just for us. Sonya and I were in a deep discussion about who was going to be 'Karen'. I wanted to be 'Karen' for the day because I was older and thought I should get first choice. Sonya wanted to be 'Karen' because...well...she always wanted to be like me.

Karen was our cousin on Grandma Smith's side of the family. Grandma sang Karen's praises to us every time we spent the week with her. She built her up in our heads so much so that when we went for a visit to Karen's house we felt the need to imitate her.

Now Karen was grown and did not live in her parents house full time anymore. She was away 'getting her schooling' (as Grandma explained to us). She was beautiful from the inside out. She always wore a smile and was friendly to anyone she came across. She was smart and had a good head on her shoulders. She would go far in life as Grandma would explain to us. I wanted to be just like her...and so did Sonya.

While we were in Karen's home we would go into her bedroom and imagine her being there. Everything was so perfectly placed. We marveled over photos of her and wondered if we would favor her when we got older. She had long, wavey, dark hair and a smile that would brighten any room. She was kind and considerate and loved her family.

As Sonya and I sat over lunch that day our heated discussion about who got to be Karen ended with Grandma telling us we could both be her since we were related we each had some of her in us and we could imitate Karen just by embracing her character (I still wanted my name to be Karen though).

Wouldn't it be great if we wanted to imitate our Lord. Just think how this world would be if we loved like Jesus. If we laid our differences aside and just loved one another. If we loved people just as they are. If we were the same when in the presence of a King as when in the presence of a leper. If the color of someone's skin was just a shade, and if your income didn't define your personality.

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus."

(1 John 4:16-17)

What if we studied the character qualities of Christ and showed kindness, grace, mercy and forgiveness to others? What if we looked to our Father and mimicked His ways as He walked this earth welcoming all to come to Him? What if your aroma came straight from the Lord Himself?

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, Help me to walk in love, imitating You in every step I take. May Your grace flow over me so that I may give to others freely and wholeheartedly. Shine Your light on me and forgive me when I hide it. In Jesus' name. Amen.