Imitations of Life

 Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

Ephesians 5: 1, 2

My mother was good for making my sister and I watch classic movies, musicals and plays (to broaden our horizons - she said).  One such theatrical delight was entitled, Imitation of Life (She made us watch both versions). My favorite version, the 1959 film, centered around the undying friendship between two women through the advancing career of one, the devotion of the others and the varied lifestyles of their daughters. The catch to this movie was that the two daughters, while both living together and looking Caucasian, were  from two different class systems and race. One daughter was white like her rich and famous mother, while the other daughter was biracial and her black mother worked as the maid for the other woman.

 The biracial daughter, Sarah Jane, grows to be a lovely but bitter woman who has spent most of her childhood trying to blend into her surroundings and pass for white. Her frustration at not being successful is poured out in poisonous words and bitter encounters with her mother who always seems to unconsciously blow her cover.   

In the end she   ...... well, I won't tell you, you'll just have to see the movie (with a box of Kleenex) to find out.

Anyway, have you ever acted like Sarah Jane?  Was there ever a time when you tried to blend into the crowd and not declare who you are in Christ?  "What does that look like", you asked?  It's listening to the gossip, joining in to derogatory and demeaning conversations and not removing yourself . It's not offering prayer as the solution for a coworker's anguish or concerns. It's even not praying over your food before you eat so as to not offend someone else.  However, Ephesians 5: 1 tells us to, " Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example],..." 

Now, I'm not saying that you need to holler out "He's risen!" in the middle of a staff meeting or put on the biggest pair of cross earrings or tie lapel you could find to wear at every PLC.  I'm talking about being an unafraid, unashamed imitator of Christ Jesus; walking, talking, living as He would and treating those around you with love.

Here are some things that Jesus did that we can imitate:

• treated the rejected people with kindness and made them feel significant
• praised God openly
• loved children
• healed others
• prayed for others
• taught with patience
• honored those in authority over Him regardless of His position

Back to the movie...

Sarah Jane's mother would search for her and try to get her to accept who she was by explaining how much she loved her and letting her know how beautiful she was just as she was.  The words hardly seemed to penetrate Sarah's ears at all as she stewed in self hatred of her race which she perceived had doomed her from receiving the best things in life even as a child.  

Sometimes we can think that becoming a "Jesus follower" can label us as a fanatic or religious nut in the eyes of others.  We act just enough like everyone around us so as not be perceived as a goody goody two shoes and labeled holier than thou. Jesus still pursues us, loves us and speaks words of affirmation through His holy promises in the bible.  But our problem here is this, "Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]..."  we sometimes forget how much we're loved by Jesus. You see, children who know they are loved by their Father need not be ashamed to have His name, wear His clothes or be seen with Him in public regardless of how outlandish it may make them seem.  

You do know He loves you right?  Here are a few reminders:

• He gave His only begotten Son that we may have everlasting life with Him
• He daily loads us with benefits
• He makes Himself available all of the time
• He intercedes on our behalf
• He protects us from dangers seen and unseen

So...since I can't tell you about the end of the movie, I'll just leave you with this thought right here: Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you...

Here's my charge to you on being an educator of God; 

Don't be ashamed to know and love Jesus.  It is in Him, through Him and by Him that we live, move and have our being.  So let your being be like Him. Find the value in those around you.  Practice empathy and compassion this week.  Seek the best for others without any selfish gain on your part. Forgive and give as Jesus has done for you.  You will become the better educator for it.

Have a blessed work week. Please enjoy our weekly song, "Like You Jesus", by CeeCee Winans and remember to share this blog post with an educator friend or coworker.