The Imitation Christ

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Ephesians 5:1–2

There is an undeniable difference between an original and an imitation:

The Original is the primary creation. Born from a novel design, process, or vision, it sets the standard and serves as the benchmark against which everything else is measured.

The Imitation is a secondary creation. It is purposefully designed to mirror, emulate, or duplicate the function, appearance, and spirit of the original.

Throughout our lives, we naturally become imitations of the people around us. Think about who you have emulated over the years—was it a parent, an older sibling, a mentor, a respected leader, or even a fictional character whose traits you admired? We absorb their speech, mirror their habits, and adopt their values.

Yet, as Christians, we are called to ask a deeper question: How intentionally are we striving to imitate Jesus?

It sounds so obvious, yet in reality, emulating Christ feels daunting. Jesus set the ultimate benchmark. He didn't just give us moral advice; He laid down His life, offering Himself up as a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Because of His sacrifice, the trajectory of our lives has changed. Jesus paid the price so that we now have a genuine choice in how we live:

The Way of the World: Living in pursuit of pure, self-centered desire. Or,

The Way of Love: Living as intentional reflections of the Original.

Ephesians 5:1–2 makes the standard crystal clear. We are called to "walk in the way of love"—not to earn God's affection, but because we are already His dearly loved children. A child naturally imitates a loving parent not out of obligation, but out of dynamic relationship and trust.

The benchmark has been set by the Original. Whom we choose to mirror each day is entirely up to us.

Examine Your Mirrors: Look at your habits, reactions, and daily priorities. Whose pattern are you currently emulating the most?

Arrow Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for declaring me Your dearly loved child. Forgive me for the times I have looked to the world for my identity and imitated patterns that lead away from You. Help me to study Your life so closely that my words, actions, and posture begin to mirror Yours. Give me the strength to choose self-sacrificing love over selfish desire today.

May my life be a pleasing and fragrant offering that brings honor to Your name.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.