Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.

Ephesians 5:1 (NKJV)

I have three sons and when they were toddlers, each of them put their tiny feet into their father’s shoes and stumbled around trying to walk, “Just like daddy.” It’s natural for small children to try to be like their parents; it’s how they learn.

Most of us have smiled to see small children happily dressed up like miniature copies of their dad or mom.

Little children watch their parents closely and want to be just like them. It’s at this stage in their lives that mothers and fathers have the strongest influence and greatest opportunity to mold their kids. As children grow into teenagers, they separate themselves from their parents as they strive to become independent adults.

While reading Ephesians 5 recently, I was struck with the thought that many Christians seem to have outgrown their desire to faithfully copy their Heavenly Father. They have become like teenagers; wishing to appear sophisticated and adult to their worldly friends.

Nowhere do the Scriptures tell us to follow God like rebellious teenagers; dragging our feet and yearning for independence. While we need to grown in wisdom, we are to remain as little children in our attitude toward the Lord; recognizing our total dependance and showing our love by faithful obedience and imitation.

And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

1 John 2:28 (NIV)