Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Have you ever thought about who you’re imitating? Whether we realize it or not, we all copy someone. Children mimic their parents. Teenagers mimic their favorite athletes or celebrities. Adults mimic their mentors, peers, or even cultural trends. The truth is, our lives are shaped by who we choose to follow.

That’s why Paul’s opening words in Ephesians 5 hit with so much weight:

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1–2)

Paul reminds us of two important truths: first, we are children of God, and second, children imitate their Father. To belong to God is to reflect His character. How we live matters—not because we’re trying to earn salvation, but because true salvation produces transformation.

We live in a culture where “faith” is often watered down to just saying a prayer: “I accept Jesus. I believe in Him.” But Scripture is clear: genuine belief is always followed by a changed life. How could Jesus live in you and not change you? He is everything we are not—perfect, holy, righteous—and we are called to reflect Him in our everyday lives.

Imitators of God: The Call to Reflect Him

Paul sets the tone by telling us to be imitators of God. That’s the standard. Not our neighbor. Not the culture. Not even a godly leader, as much as they may inspire us. God Himself is the one we are to imitate.

This is the easiest way to gauge our spiritual walk: Does my life reflect Him?

• Do my words sound like Jesus, or do they sound more like the world?
• Do my actions point people to Him, or do they just point back to me?
• When people see me, do they see a reflection of God’s love, or just another person blending in?

This is not about legalism. It’s not about how long your skirt is, whether men have long hair, or how many Christian bumper stickers you have on your car. This is about the heart. Paul is asking: Does your day-to-day life look like your Father’s?

Walking in Love

Paul doesn’t leave us guessing what imitation looks like—he tells us plainly: “Walk in love, as Christ loved us.”

The Greek word for “walk” here means to make it your pattern of life, your consistent way of living. This isn’t about occasional acts of kindness or bursts of compassion when it’s convenient. It’s a lifestyle.

Christ’s love was self-sacrificing. He gave Himself up for us. Our love should look the same—laying down our preferences, our pride, even our rights, for the sake of others.

Think of a marriage. The strongest marriages are not built on two people demanding their own way but on two people laying down their lives for each other. The same is true in the church and in the world. When we walk in love, we look different. People notice.

Walking in Light

Paul contrasts our new identity with our old one:

“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

Notice Paul doesn’t say we were in darkness. He says we were darkness. Our identity itself was marked by sin and separation from God. But now in Christ, we are light.

That means our words, actions, and choices should expose darkness, not blend into it.

Paul gives some specific instructions:

• Put away sexual immorality, impurity, and greed (v. 3).
• Don’t let filthiness, foolish talk, or crude joking come from your mouth (v. 4).
• Instead, let thanksgiving overflow in your words.

It’s easy to brush this off. After all, everyone makes crude jokes, right? Everyone complains. Everyone gossips a little. But Paul says no. We are different. Our words matter because our words reveal our hearts.

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us:

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

When we choose to speak gossip, sarcasm, slander, or complaining, we sow death into our relationships. But when we choose gratitude, encouragement, and truth, we sow life.

An Illustration: Garbage In, Garbage Out

I remember my youth pastor used to say, “Garbage in, garbage out.” He meant that what you feed your mind will eventually spill out of your life. If you watch shows filled with filth, don’t be surprised if your humor starts sounding the same. If you constantly scroll social media filled with greed and comparison, don’t be surprised when discontentment takes root in your heart.

On the flip side, if you fill your mind with God’s Word, worship, and gratitude, then life and hope will overflow from your heart. What you feed grows. What you starve dies.

Walking in Wisdom

Paul adds another layer:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15–16)

We don’t have unlimited time. Each day is a gift from God, and we are called to use it wisely. That means being intentional with our choices, relationships, and influences.

Paul warns us not to be deceived. There are people—even those who claim to represent God—who will try to lead us away from the truth.

I experienced this firsthand when I was invited to a “Bible study” group. At first, it seemed harmless—a few people gathering to encourage one another. But over time, strange teachings began to surface. As I asked questions, the explanations didn’t line up with Scripture. A new person eventually joined and escalated those false teachings, even denying the authority of God’s Word. There was no room for honest discussion or correction.

Eventually, I left. Not long after, the church where it was meeting shut it down because the leader, who had presented himself as a pastor, was leading people astray.

Paul wasn’t exaggerating when he warned us—some will twist Scripture, some will deceive, some will even appear as spiritual leaders while teaching lies. This is why we must be discerning. This is why we must know the Word for ourselves.

Be Filled With the Spirit

Paul closes this section with a powerful command:

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)

To “be filled” means to be continually controlled and guided by the Spirit. Just like being drunk means alcohol influences your thoughts, words, and actions, being filled with the Spirit means God Himself is influencing everything about you.

Paul connects this filling with worship, gratitude, and submission:

• Singing to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (v. 19).
• Giving thanks always and for everything (v. 20).
• Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (v. 21).

Being filled with the Spirit isn’t just about having emotional experiences in worship—it’s about living daily in a way that reflects God’s character in your words, actions, and relationships.

Living This Out

So how do we apply all of this?

• Imitate God. Ask yourself daily: does my life reflect Him, or does it reflect the world?
• Walk in love. Choose self-sacrifice over selfishness.
• Guard your words. Speak life, not death.
• Walk in light. Refuse to compromise with darkness.
• Be wise. Surround yourself with people who speak truth and lead you closer to Christ.
• Be filled with the Spirit. Let Him guide your steps, your choices, and your worship.

Conclusion: Who Are You Reflecting?

At the end of the day, it comes back to imitation. Who are you imitating? The world? Your old self? Or your Father in heaven?

Ephesians 5 reminds us: you are a beloved child of God. Your life should look like His. You don’t need perfection this side of heaven, but you are called to daily growth. A daily choice to love. A daily choice to shine. A daily choice to walk in wisdom and be filled with the Spirit.

The world is watching. Your family is watching. Your coworkers are watching. But most importantly—God sees.

Will your life reflect Him today?