Of Dust Bunnies And Designer Faith

Reflections
August 9, 2009

In Ephesians 4:25-5:2 we see how to, what for and why of Paul's understanding with regard to faith and practice. He is writing to a community struggling with pagan practices and other believers who believe their teaching is greater than his.

Paul begins by telling the readers what to do in faithfulness. Don't lie, steal or use anger inappropriately. For by behaving differently, believers distinguish themselves from those living falsely. In addition, he urges believers to not grieve the Spirit. His understanding being that the Spirit protects and nurtures believers, thus inappropriate behavior would interfere with the work of the Spirit. He includes, in the instruction, the suggestion that people of faith are to imitate God in the way they respond to life.

Charles Caleb Colton, the nineteenth century English minister, authored the phrase, "Imitation is the sincerest of flattery." Since flattery can be defined as insincere, of excessive praise stemming from self-interest, why would the Holy need our imitation of flattery? Of course God needs neither from us. However, when we repeat in our daily existence, the love, grace, and forgiveness we have known from God; the blessings of faith become real. When we act as forgiven people and in turn forgive others, healing happens and hope abounds. When we act as if we are loved and treat those around us with love; the atmosphere in which we live becomes more rich and full.

We are called, according to Paul, to imitate God, not to become godlike but to become more human, effective and able as children of God. In the retail world, copies of expensive items are called "knock offs," a polite word for a good fake. The love of God made real in Jesus is meant to inspire real change in us and from us. Anything less is a poor imitation.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601