People often try to emulate the ones they admire. Unfortunately, we do not always select the best role models. Would you want your sons to behave the way Will Smith did at the Oscars? How about using Kanye West or Charlie Sheen as examples of how to live? Would you be happy to have your daughters act like Britney Spears or Miley Cyrus?  We need to be discerning about the ones we admire and use as the pattern for our lives. Paul gave some wonderful advice to the Ephesians.

“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 5:1–2)

I have seen this lived out by many Godly men and women in my life. People who follow Jesus strive to show His love to others with their words and actions. They know they have been rescued from sin and death by what Jesus did for us all, so they live lives of love in response. They try to live the way Jesus did. The apostle John spoke about this a lot in his letters as well.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)

This is always important. Love one another. It is how we let His light shine in this world, and this world desperately needs that light. Every age and location has its struggles and difficulties. You know it is true in your life and situation. That is why it is necessary for those of us who know and believe in Jesus to let the world see the way He has changed us. The days in which we live are evil. Without Christ, people are perishing eternally.

“For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritnce in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:5–16)

Be very careful how you live and who you chose to imitate. What can you do to help people see Jesus and His love in these evil day?