A Letter from the Pastor

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ.

The world is filled with imitations. Famous brands of expensive watches have resulted in competitors who produce low quality watches that look nearly identical to the costly brand, but sell for a mere fraction. Sometimes the off-brand name is only one letter different than what many would call “the original.”

From lawn mowers to jewelry, fashions to food, computer programs to carpets, imitations abound. Some result in patent infringement and law suits. Others are discovered to be of poor quality and fade fasssssssssssst. 

To wear an imitation designer dress or wristwatch seldom (if ever) results in bragging. That’s because many imitations are deceptions, things meant to bring cheap, fleeting moments that impress others. In reality, the quality of most imitations is hollow when compared to originals.

Sometimes people act as though they are poor imitations of others in how they dress, talk, act, and perform. Fads form around personalities who fill the TV and movie screen or sell multi-million-dollar songs. Yet, imitations that spring up today may wither tomorrow. And that, is the nature of an imitation.

Well, all the talk about “imitations” brings to mind a special Bible passage, which I’ll get to in a moment. But first, let me say, when God’s people are at their best, they are imitators of the Savior, Jesus Christ. No, they’re not cheap imitations but the real thing! They don’t attempt to deceive others into believing in them as little “saviors” who can determine destinies or fortunes. Nor do they temp others in thinking they have God magically in their pocket like a lucky charm. No, they honestly reflect the love of God in Christ and imitate His example. By His grace, thereby, they are genuine, true, and trustworthy.

And now that passage which brings all this together: “Be imitators of God as beloved children (Ephesians 5:1-2) and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Having the most genuine of all role models, Christ Himself, can bring genuineness to others by His Holy Spirit at work in you –in us.  Humbly and unashamedly walking in love and boldly sharing His Good Word can, by that same Spirit, change lives for eternity. 

So I say, being an imitator of the Lord is among the best things we His people can do this side of heaven. And I pray that God empowers you to be an imitator rather than an imitation.

Prayer: Lord God, heavenly Father, strengthen me through Your Word and Spirit to speak and act as Your desire that I may imitate that which is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen

In Christ Jesus, 

Pastor Dean Rudloff