1 peter

How to Be an Imitator of God in Everyday Life

We all wake up every day. We crawl out of bed, grab coffee, check our phone, and start our routine. But God calls us to a deeper wake-up. He calls us to wake up spiritually.

In Ephesians 5:1–2, Paul writes:

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us…” (NASB)

So what does being an imitator of God really look like? How can simple people like us live this way?

Being an Imitator of God Starts with Identity

Paul does not say, “Imitate God so He will love you.”
He says, “Imitate God as beloved children.”

You already stand loved in Christ. That is your starting point. God sees you in Jesus. He calls you His child (1 John 3:1). You do not earn that place. You receive it by faith.

Because of this, being an imitator of God flows out of who you are, not who you try to be. You act like your Father because you belong to your Father. Children copy what they see at home. In the same way, you copy what you see in God.

So the first step is simple: stay close to Him. Open your Bible. Talk to Him. Watch how Jesus acts in the Gospels. That is how your Father looks.

Being an Imitator of God Means Walking in Love

Paul links imitation of God with love:

“…walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us…” (Eph. 5:2)

Love defines how God acts. John tells us, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Jesus shows this love when He gives Himself up on the cross. True love gives. It serves. True love costs something.

You walk in love when you:

  • Forgive people who wrong you (Eph. 4:32).
  • Speak words that heal, not words that crush (Eph. 4:29).
  • Show kindness when others show anger.
  • Choose to do good when no one thanks you.

This kind of love does not feel easy. Many days it feels like death to self. Yet that is the point. You love “just as Christ” loved you. He did not wait for us to improve. He loved us while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8).

Ask this in each hard moment:
“Right now, what does love look like?”

Then do that. That is what it means to walk in love.

Holiness Makes Our Witness Strong

Paul moves from love to holiness:

“But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” (Eph. 5:3)

Sexual sin, impurity, and greed break trust. They harm people. They confuse the message we preach.

Egypt in Scripture often pictures the world (Lev. 18:3). God told His people not to live like the nations around them. In the same way, we live in this world, but we do not copy its ways. Jesus calls us to be “perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). Peter echoes this:

“Be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” (1 Pet. 1:15–16)

Holiness here does not mean fake perfection. It means a life set apart. It means we say “yes” to God in every area. People see our choices. They listen more when our lives match our words.

When you choose purity, you speak loudly, even if you say nothing with your mouth.

God Uses Flawed Imitators

You might say, “I can’t do this. I fail too much.”
Look at Peter.

He spoke out of turn, was bold and then fearful, and then he denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54–62). Yet Jesus restored him (John 21:15–19). Peter preached at Pentecost, and about 3,000 people came to Christ (Acts 2:41).

God did not pick Peter because he was perfect. God saw what Peter would become when filled with the Spirit. And God sees you the same way.

1 Corinthians 1:8 says Jesus will “confirm you to the end, blameless.” He holds you, shapes you, and He finishes what He starts (Phil. 1:6).

So do not give up. Keep repenting, trusting and walking.

Imitate God in Speech and Conduct

Paul even mentions how we talk:

“there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting…” (Eph. 5:4)

Filthy talk, foolish jokes, and crude humor do not fit a child of God. Words reveal the heart (Matt. 12:34). Your speech should show light, not darkness.

Ask:
“Would I say this if Jesus stood in the room?”

If not, then do not say it. Instead, give thanks. Speak life.

As you do, your neighbors, coworkers, and friends will notice. They may not know what changed. But they will see something different. That “something” is Someone. They will see Christ in you.

This is the call: wake up, and live being an imitator of God. One choice at a time. One word at a time. One act of love at a time.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Read more in the Core Truth blog when you CLICK HERE.

A Purpose in Our Call: More Than Just Getting Saved

A Purpose in Our Call: More Than Just Getting Saved

God did not call you to Christ so that you could sit, soak, and wait for heaven. He called you to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him. There is a purpose in our call, and that purpose touches every part of your life.

Ephesians 4:1–3 sets the tone:

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Your calling is not only about what you do in church. It is about how you walk every day.

A Purpose in Our Call: One Body, Many Lives

Ephesians 4:4–6 says:

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”

We belong to one body, the body of Christ, with one Lord, Jesus. All of us share one faith, the gospel. And we share one baptism, into His name.

Denominations may have different labels. Cultures may have different styles. But the real church is one. God calls every believer into that one body. He calls each one with a purpose.

That means your job, your family, your singleness, your school, your skills—none of this sits outside your call. God wants to use all of it.

Colossians 3:23–24 says:

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.
It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

So you can sweep floors or lead teams or teach kids or run a company “for the Lord.” Every task becomes worship when you do it with faith and obedience.

Everyday Faithfulness: The Hidden Side of Calling

We often look for a huge moment, a big stage, a special title. But most of the time, God works through small, steady acts of faith.

  • You show up at work on time.
  • You do honest work when no one sees.
  • You honor your spouse with love and respect.
  • You raise your children with patience and truth.
  • You live pure and focused in singleness.
  • You serve quietly in your local church.

1 Corinthians 4:2 says:

“In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.”

God cares more about “trustworthy” than “famous.” He cares more about “faithful” than “flashy.”

When you live this way, you show that you believe there is a purpose in our call. You see your whole life as kingdom ground. You see every relationship as a chance to show Christ.

Always Ready to Answer

1 Peter 3:15 gives one of the clearest pictures of daily calling:

“but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts,
always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you,
yet with gentleness and reverence.”

First, you set Christ apart as Lord in your heart. You give Him the throne inside you. Then you stay ready to answer. You may talk to a coworker, a neighbor, a family member, a stranger.

You do not need big words, but a real story. Simply share what Jesus did for you and what He promises in His Word.

You speak gently, not with pride. You speak with respect, not with mockery. People push back. They test. People watch your life. When they see steady hope, they start to ask questions.

Serving as Christ’s Hands in a Broken World

God works through people. He works through you. He uses your words, your gifts, your time, and your love.

2 Corinthians 5:20 says:

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us;
we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

An ambassador lives in one land but speaks for another. You live on earth, but you speak for heaven. You carry the King’s message into your school, job, home, and city.

When the church understands this, the world feels the impact. People hear the gospel. The poor receive care. The broken find hope. The lost find truth.

Walking Worthy of the Call

A calling is not a feeling you chase. It is a life you live. Ephesians 4 shows the pattern:

  • One body, many members.
  • Many gifts, one purpose.
  • Steady truth, deep love.
  • Ordinary people, eternal impact.

There is a purpose in our call, and it begins with Jesus Himself. He calls you by grace, saves you by His cross and fills you with His Spirit. He sends you into this world as light in the dark.

So ask Him:

  • “Lord, where do You want me to serve?”
  • “Who do You want me to love?”
  • “How can I use my gifts for Your glory today?”

Then step out. Obey what you know. Be faithful where you are. Trust God to take your small yes and use it for His great plan.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Read more in the Core Truth blog when you CLICK HERE.