I think most of us aspire to be like someone we admire. It could be a teacher, friend, public figure, close relative, or that rare politician who looks to God for their wisdom. We look at the way they handle things and contemplate their wisdom, devotion, excellent skills, their way with words, their sense of calm and peace in the face of adversity, their compassion and living faith.  We might think, “I’d like to be more like them.” On the one hand, God created us to be us, unique in our own way. At the same time he calls us to aspire to such goodness, encouraged by others and stretched to let his transforming power change us into his likeness.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2

 

These days I’m reading through the book of Revelation. In the opening chapters, John tells of how he was commanded by the Spirit of God to write to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. And then in a vision he saw seven golden lamp stands and also someone in their midst. The words he uses describes only Jesus. (the son of man, the one who conquered death and now lives, the first and the last, who holds the keys to death and Hades. The lampstands were the churches who would carry the light of Jesus.

 

It’s common today for some folk to think of “the church” as a building with a particular brand name on it. In reality, the bible clearly says that we believers are the church, an active and living entity. Consider the words God gave to John to describe these seven churches. Which one would best describe your life and which would you most aspire to be?

The church at Ephesus: hardworking and persevering, but having forgotten their first love (for Jesus).

The church at Smyrna: “rich” in afflictions and poverty, and urged to continue on in their faith.

The church at Pergamum: Faithful, yet also holding to idols. Believers are promised a white stone with their new name written on it . . . IF they live as overcomers, not dissuaded by things that distract them from God.

The church at Thyatira: Known for love, faith and perseverance; repaid according to their deeds.

The church at Sardis: They had a reputation of being alive but in reality, actually are dead. (Like a facade of being religious but living life without God; lacking integrity.)

The church at Philadelphia: Faithful. Lacking strength yet keeping God’s Word.

The church at Laodicea: Not hot nor cold, but lukewarm toward God. Not actively rejecting God or living passionately for him, but wishy washy in their faith. “A little bit of Jesus will do.”

 

In your prayers, thoughts and actions today, aspire to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Hold him as the whole reason you live, not just a part of your life. Be imitators of God and let him transform your life into something more than you could imagine. Live the adventure to which we are called.

 

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20