Chapter summaries - IMITATORS OF GOD
Imitators of God (Publication pending - Winter 2009)
"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." - Ephesians 5:1
The following chapter summaries provide a brief synopsis of each one's overall theme and content. In their full version each chapter will include examples, illustrations and practical advice on implimenting the truths.
U.S. © 2008 – Rev. Mark Alan Quick
Chapter 11 – Working for Jesus
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord.” / Ephesians 6:7
Workplace dissatisfaction is high. According to a Washington Business Journal report dated April 25, 2008, some 43 percent of American workers are fully engaged in their jobs – meaning well more than half are not. The article reports that thirty percent of respondents say they left their job to seek new challenges or opportunities they were lacking in their previous employment. The article continues, “In addition, 25 percent said they left because of ineffective leadership; 22 percent cited poor relationships with their managers; and 21 percent said their contributions were not valued.”
The first thing we must do is to see our daily work as ministry. Somewhere along the way many Christians have developed the perception that ministry is what they do at their church. Based on Paul’s admonition for servants and slaves to “obey their earthly masters, just as you would obey Christ,” we see that our daily work should be considered a part of our Christian ministry as well.
We can serve our bosses in this way when we realize that our services are ultimately rendered unto Christ and that “the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”
The Apostle Peter admonishes, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” When employees render excellent service and a humble attitude to their employers they have the assurance that God will advocate for them.
The Old Testament hero Daniel honored God by not defiling himself with food forbidden by God’s law. And God blessed Daniel. If we will take a stand for God he will bless us similarly.
Chapter 12 – Masters mind your master
“There is no favoritism with him.” / Ephesians 6:9
Many managers are having trouble meeting their objectives because of tension with their employees. These individuals can change the dynamics of their workplace if they will view their headship role as Christ does – as an opportunity to add value to those under them.
Leading others begins with a sense of personal security. If God has made me the boss and I work in a manner pleasing to him he will hold my position. So often managers and those in authority view those working under their supervision as potential rivals and this limits their personal productivity and that of the organization.
Imitating Christ as supervisors also involves seeing ourselves as facilitators of others’ success. During my tenure as a newspaper editor I had the privilege of working with a talented and dedicated staff writer. He obtained an interview for an editor position and I offered my support and encouragement. Though he did not take the job he became an even stronger employee and team player because he perceived, rightly, that my first concern was his advancement.
A third facet of proper headship is seeking opportunities to enhance the growth and potential of those under our authority. The highest calling and achievement of leadership is to produce leaders. Oklahoma University head football coach Bob Stoops has more people that were on his staff working as head coaches today than any other active coach. We rise to a new level as bosses when we view our headship as an opportunity to add to others and help them become great leaders themselves.
Chapter 13 – Imitating God in the church
“…be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” / Ephesians 5:18-19
In many quarters the church has lost its credibility. This is because the members of the church do not imitate God. There is backbiting and division and rather than impressing the world their behavior serves to undermine their testimony. People will not believe the gospel if they see its bearers backbiting. Jesus pointed this out, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” (John 13:34-35).
When the church imitates Christ by focusing on its mission to proclaim the gospel and make disciples, it acts in unity. Unity brings power and focus and communicates to the world what is the highest priority – gaining right relationship with God.
Jesus expressed the highest forgiveness. While on the cross he cried, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” (Luke 23:34). People will more readily receive God’s forgiveness when the church models it.
Jesus also set an example of prayer. Luke tells us in chapter six and verse 12 of his gospel that Jesus passed the night in prayer. Luke also tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Prayer was his custom and prayer should be the custom of the church. It keeps us in fresh relationship with God. It ensures a free-flow of his revelation. It ensures the grace and power of God are active in the church.
Chapter 14 – Bringing it all together
The highest calling in life is to reflect the virtues and attributes of God. It is why we were created. “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being,” so wrote the Apostle John. As creator and sovereign the heart of God himself is the standard for what is right. Aligning ourselves with his will is our highest calling.
Only those who share God’s virtue will remain in his eternal presence. How else could it be? All our life’s work will be weighed in the balances by God. God will have the privilege of sharing his eternity with those whose hearts are set after his. Those will be hearts that have been made clean by the precious blood of Christ. They will be hearts that in this life adopted an active posture of repentance. And hearts that have desired to attain his virtues.
