Followers of God

{So, I wasn't planning on sharing regularly from my Ephesians study, but God has blessed me so much through it! I pray that you will be blessed as well.}

Ephesians 5:1

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Followers of God - merely by itself, this verse speaks volumes. If we are to follow God, then we are to seek Him; for how can we follow someone of Whom we know little? We must educate ourselves about God - and the more we educate ourselves about God, the more He will work in us His character.

Can I truly say, "I'm a follower of God?" What is a follower? Sure, someone can "follow" a leader from afar, but chances are, we will miss his guidance and get off track. The same principle is true in Christian life. If we try to follow God "from afar," we might see that He is over here on the other side of the valley, but neglect to see the bridge that He crossed over - and thus we envelope ourselves in miry trouble. If we try to mix "our own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5) with His leading, we will also find ourselves in trouble - for His ways are perfect (Psalm 18:30).

What are we to use to help us follow God?

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)

"For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:" (Proverbs 6:23)

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

God has given us instructions; He has given us a light for our path, He has shown us His way for us to follow - but it all counts for nothing if we do not read and study His Word and heed/apply it to our lives.

Following God never comes by happenchance. It is a decision to do or not to do - to obey or disobey. And if we fail to decide between the two, we have automatically decided in the negative.

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Contextually, this verse also speaks volumes. Previously are given examples of God:

-Kindness

-Tenderheartedness

-Forgiveness

Subsequently is:

-Love

-Giving

Following God means a lifestyle that is polished with kindness, tenderheartedness, forgiveness, love, and giving.

This list reminds me of Romans 12:9-18

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.