I’ve Been Watching You
Tim Ross of North Branch, MI, USA
Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. -Ephesians 5:1-2
The Apostle Paul wrote these words to Gentile Christians at a time when it was becoming more and more difficult to be a Christian. As part of his challenge to live a Christ-like life, the author offered the simplest formula for persevering-simply be like God.
Paul reminds his hearers (and us) that imitating God is accomplished by imitating Jesus Christ who “loved us and gave himself up for us” (5:2).
A country and western song by Rodney Atkins perfectly illustrates this challenge to imitate God. In one verse a four-year-old boy copies the swear word he hears his dad utter. In another verse, the little boy offers a prayer and “talks to God like he was talking to a friend.” In both instances, when asked where he learned the words he spoke, the little boy replies:
“I’ve been watching you, dad. Ain’t that cool?
I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
We got cowboy boots and camo pants.
Yeah, we’re just alike. Hey, ain’t we, dad?
I wanna do everything you do.
So, I’ve been watching you.” -By Rodney A. Atkins, Brian White, Steve Dean, xc2xa92006
This is how we are to imitate God! We are challenged to watch our Creator through the acts of Jesus Christ and to do everything Jesus did. In this way we can be like Jesus, and in so doing, be like God.
Finally, this short scripture passage calls disciples to live like God by living like Jesus Christ, to love like God by loving like Jesus Christ, and to give like God by giving our lives for others as Jesus Christ gave his life for all.
“Ain’t that cool?
I’m your buckaroo. I wanna be like you.”
Prayer Phrase
“…all things in God and God in all things” (Mechthild of Magdeburg).
Spiritual Practice
Reflecting on Presence
Breathe deeply and become present to the Presence with you here and now. Take a few moments in the silence to reflect prayerfully on the following questions:
Where have you been aware of God’s presence in your life?
What is God’s invitation to you in this story?
How do you desire to be more open to God’s presence and invitation tomorrow?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
