I had the great pleasure of watching my 3 year old grandson the other weekend. It was such a joy to be able to see him run around, grab my hand and say, “Na-Na play with me.” I got down on all fours (which let me tell you is not so easy as it was when I was younger) and watched him mimic my actions. At one point, he was imitating what I was doing and saying. We were having a grand old time, laughing and giggling and copying each other, when I thought,
Is this what God feels when we imitate His word? When we follow His commands and imitate His Son?
Does He say to Himself, “There you go! You’re getting it!! Finally!!” Then I wondered, which am I copying more–Him or this world? Do I seek this world’s acceptance or His? I found in more ways than I cared to admit, I didn’t even realize I’d been imitating too much of the world’s goals and thoughts, rather than God’s. How did it happen so quickly and quietly?
It is so easy to fall into the acceptance trap, when you don’t even know it. To choose the easy way rather than God’s way. Gossip at work, a negative word for family or friends, jealously of what someone else has, anger that pops up when something doesn’t go my way, or being proud like a Pharisee—all show, but no heart and soul. Can you relate to any of these?
I often fall short of God’s word, of Christ’s example. I take 2 steps forward and a gazillion steps back, always vowing it won’t happen next time. But what happens next time? Falling, crashing, destroying, and obliterating God’s words.
When it happens, what can I do? Who should be my go-to Person? My safety net? My life vest? THE Man on the cross! My Savior, My Lord, My Jesus, the one I Am.
“O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name; thou art mine. When you passest through the waters, I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1-2
It’s wonderful to know I am redeemed. God knew I would fall short, tread through rivers, and walk in flames with thoughts, attitude, words, and demeanor. So He sent His Son for those times when I mess up. I always have a place to go, a place to kneel, and a place to cover my face and cry. He reminds us:
“…by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 52:5
I take my sins to the foot of the cross, lay them at Christ’s feet, and thank God that He is always willing to give me another chance. I thank Him that He sent His Son, had Him nailed, hung and pierced for me, for my sins, my stupidity, for the way I let Satan and his demons walk into my life again and again. Then I thank Him for knowing I will fall short, that I’m far from perfect and that He covers me with His Son’s blood.
Time and again I give it all to Him, hand everything over to Him, and He gives me His grace, He helps me to my feet again. He smiles. His eyes light up with love and then I know: I’m forgiven. I know that He will always be there for me, for anyone who believes. And maybe one day we’ll hear Him say, “You got it! I delight in you!”
“Behold, my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.” Isaiah 42:1
Lord, help me to continually seek You to imitate. To return to the Cross for forgiveness each time I fail. And to trust in Your infallible love for even someone like me.
