Imitators

Ephesians 5:1-2(NASB) ¹Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; ²and 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.

As a child I remember times that I attempted to imitate my father. Every move he made I copied. While walking through the field I stretched to make my foot land where his did. My desire was to be just like him. Now years later I am told that I do a number of things just like my dad. Years of love and observation showed me a great way to live.

The same should be true of our heavenly Father. To imitate Him we need to sharpen the skills we use in copying someone else. We need to study closely every move and attempt to make it our own. When we are intent on following someone else so closely, distractions are not a problem because our focus is fixed. Many times we are stretched as we imitate God. He moves us to a deeper faith, love, joy, skill, assurance, quality, and on and on the list can go.

One of the greatest joys for us is that someday, someone will say, "You look just like your Father." To be recognized as an imitator of God is a wonderful compliment.

Prayer: God help me to observe you well. Teach me the little things that make me like You.

Preparing a Personal Mission Statement

Proverbs 16:9(NASB) ⁹ The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

God has a plan for me and you. The question is, "How does that plan work itself out in our lives?" For me to be able to live out a plan, I must first understand how it applies to me. One instrument that helps me is writing a personal mission statement. The declaration helps me to mark boundaries in my life. Predetermining what I will, and what I will not do, eliminates many of the time wasters in my life because I do not have to stop and evaluate every decision.

My personal mission statement also serves as the foundation for my future planning. By allowing it to guide me, I will plan to do those things which make more of an impact.

The statement should be written in a positive way. It is designed to point out the things I am good at, helping me to see my strengths and understand how I am contributing to life. The document helps me think about specific actions, behaviors, habits and qualities that would have a significant positive impact on my life over the next 1 to 3 years.

My mission statement is personal but not permanent. As I grow, my desires and knowledge, as well as the challenges and opportunities in my life, will change. These changes can be reflected in a recasting my mission statement.

Here are some "Life Review" thoughts to go through before writing a Personal Mission Statement.
1.  I need to list my successes. These achievements are ones that make me feel energized and excited. Some are accomplishments that I have had to work hard to attain and felt good doing it. I need to identify 4 to 5 of these personal triumphs which have occurred in recent years.

2.  I need to list my core values/beliefs. I can make this list as long as necessary and then narrow it down to the top six beliefs that are most important to me. As a Christian the basis of my worldview is extremely important because it drives every decision. All of my future plans will be qualified through the filter of these beliefs. Proverbs 16:3(NASB) ³ Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established.

3.  I need to list ways that I contribute to life. How do I make things work more smoothly at home, school, work, etc.? What role do I find myself being fulfilled in most often? Am I the peacemaker, promoter, persuader, person that brings precision, etc.? I need to list at least five ways I make a positive difference, from this list, which one do I see as most important. This step reveals a lot about where my spiritual gifts lie. 1 Peter 4:10(NASB) ¹⁰As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Corinthians 7:7(NASB) ⁷. . . However, each man has his own gift from God, . . .
　

4.  I need to list ways I would like to make a difference. If I were allowed to make two significant and unrestricted changes in myself, my family, my friends, my faith, and the thing that brings me fulfillment, what would they be? How do I envision these changes making a positive impact?

　
5.  I need to list my personal goals. Short-term goals include things over the next two years and long-term objectives deal with three or more years. Who is it that I want to become? What habits do I wish to form? What actions and character traits do I desire to develop? Where do I want to be? All my goals in the process of being fulfilled and when finally attained need to bring glory to God. Philippians 2:13(NASB) ¹³for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

After doing this life review, I am now ready to begin writing or rewriting my personal mission statement. I need to remember that this is a positive personal account which will guide me in day-to-day actions and decisions. God has a plan for me and it is important for me to recognize that I have a personal involvement in understanding and applying that plan.


Psalms 25:4-5(NASB) ⁴ Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. ⁵ Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.

The Missing Element

If we wanted to jumpstart our life, wishing to improve each day, and desire to end the day feeling lighter, happier, and content, what would we need to do? From many sources (conferences, research, magazines, and books) I have seen a trend of information addressing the harshness of our society. Each case points out that gratitude is a missing element in our lives.

We have become people of entitlement. The accompanying attitude is one of ingratitude. We believe that we are owed something.

Let’s get this straight. The ONLY thing we are owed is an eternity separated from God. We are sinners, who willfully ignore God’s input the majority of the time. Then, when things go the way we designed and collapse, we blame the Lord, suggest He is powerless, and question His goodness. All we deserve is His wrath.

Yet, He loves us. How remarkable! He loves a sinner like me. Not only does He love us, He has provided a way to restore us and give us an abundance of real life.

We need to be grateful. Gratefulness understands that there is a gift involved and we are appreciative. Here are five practical suggestions to consider when being grateful to God (and others).

1. Be aware - Remember the benefits. Take time to notice the good.
2. Be honest - Be real, truly be thankful.
3. Be vocal - Tell someone, we recognize our blessing more as we share them.
4. Be natural - Praise God in a way that is natural for you.
5. Be consistent - Do it daily.

Psalms 103:1-5(NASB) ¹ Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. ² Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; ³ Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; ⁴ Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; ⁵ Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.