Copy Cats

I love watching my children play together. It is interesting to see what they do and say and how they interact with each other. I am fascinated as I see my younger kids learning from their older siblings and following their example. Most of them time this is a good thing! It is also eye opening to see my children exhibit traits of mine.

I remember one day when Annie was not even three...She had a purse on her shoulder and a toy phone tucked between her ear and her shoulder. "Bye! I'm going to MOPS!" she called as she marched down the hallway.

Just today I watched as Max (turning 3 in August) climbed up the ladder on the swing set and perched himself proudly at the top of the slide. "Yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, yeah, yeah!" he sang out as he swayed back and forth before sliding down. I didn't have to wonder where he learned that (Josh - age 8). Later, I picked Noah up (18 months) and put him on the platform at the top of the slide. As I reached for his hand so I could help him slide down he said "Oh yeah!" and grinned proudly.

There are other times when I don't laugh at my little copy cats. Sometimes I see selfishness or rudeness or impatience in my children and I cringe knowing that I don't always model characteristics worthy of being imitated. I am reminded of the quote that says that we are ALL examples; some good examples and some bad examples. As I ponder what characteristics I want to pass on to my children I am reminded of Ephesians 5:1, Be imitators of God.

Yes, of course. All I have to do is copy God so my kids can copy me and then copy each other. Copy God? Where do I even try to start? I guess I can start with reading his word. So, for today, I'll start by looking at Ephesians 5:1 and the verses that come before and after it.

Ephesians 4:29 - 5:4

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Lord, please help me each day to choose to copy you in these areas.