A very popular trend online not too long ago was posting pictures of something someone made and then a picture of someone else’s efforts to imitate that item. They would do so with the phrase “Nailed it!” attached, when in fact their attempt barely resembled the original. I’ve included a couple of examples with this devotion.

Some people have made a living imitating others, like Rich Little and Frank Caliendo. They did a good job of acting and sounding like the people they imitated. Other people don’t do as good a job of being imitators.

I thought about that in a recent Bible Study when we read this passage.

Ephesians 5:1–2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

What does it take to be a good imitator of God? How often do we confidently think “Nailed it” when we in fact have not been good imitators of God?

The first thing Paul encourages us to do in order to imitate God is “live a life of love.” That message is echoed throughout Scripture. Love one another. Even the people you don’t like or disagree with. Show them the same kind of love God has shown to you.

The love of Christ led Him to set aside His own wants and desires and take our place in punishment. He let Himself be put to death to atone for the sins of all people, so that anyone and everyone who believes in Him can have forgiveness. Even the people you don’t like or disagree with.

Jesus hung out with the people that the religious leaders and those who considered themselves “righteous” looked down on. He went to the sinners who needed His help. He never condoned their sin or joined them in their sin, but He loved them even while they were yet in their sins. In doing so, He gave us the example to imitate.

Much of what follows in Ephesians 5 is a list of things we should not do if we are trying to imitate God. Take some time to read that today. Paul also mentions a few things positive things in there. But the overarching theme is that to be an imitator of God, you should love others as He has loved you.

I’m still striving to get to the point where I can say sincerely that I have “Nailed it!”