Eph. 5:1-3

Eph. 5:1-3 Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.

In a perfect world, children follow the example set before them by their father.  They do it because of their love and respect for him.  Their father lives a life worthy to be followed.  Their father daily shows his love for them by his protection of them and providing for their needs.  He interacts with them.  He gives his children no cause to doubt his faithfulness and dependability.

Unfortunately we live in sin and our fathers are not ideal.  Some are good men and some are bad.  All are imperfect and do and say things that are not to be imitated.  A good father will treat his children in a loving way and is humble enough to ask for forgiveness when he messes up.  There are many things children can emulate in a good father’s life, and some things they need to ignore or improve on in their own lives.

God is our perfect father.  There is nothing about God that we should not emulate.  He is our perfect example and we should always strive to be like him in love and character.  We should treat others the same way the Lord treats us in love.  He gave his all for us.  He gave us dignity and honor by considering us worthy to die for.  He stays with us through all the ups and downs of our lives and never abandons us when we act in an unlovely way towards him. 

When we love each other in the way Christ loves us, God is well-pleased with us.  Our lives become a sweet aroma before Him.  Are you a sweet aroma before God or, do you stink up the place?