Together in Christ #18

Having told us about this great plan of God, this masterpiece He is making with the Church, Paul has then told us how we should treat this inheritance, this wonderful new creation. We are to maintain it, keep it clean and beautiful, with love and unity. He makes a brief summary as we come to chapter 5: 

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Mimic God. That brief exhortation should stop us dead in our tracks. Lots of times we like to play God - that's not what Paul is saying. Act like God, Show His family resemblance, by demonstrating the same kind of sacrificial love Christ has shown us toward the rest of the household, the family, the other gifted people God has given to one another. Since he uses this word "therefore", Paul is calling on us to make a second read of chapter 4: strive for unity; see each other as gifts; accept God's calling for your part; make honesty, forgiveness, generosity, forgiveness, humility, and did I say "forgiveness"(?) a priority in how you deal with fellow followers. Do we really want to please God in response to this great salvation He has given? The sincerest form of respect is following His example.