Imitating My Father

I have a picture of my son and me in matching baseball uniforms from when he was a young child. I also have pictures of him throwing and hitting. If you matched those up with pictures of me doing the same activity, the similarities are startling (as well as clearly defining why we both did not end up playing professional baseball)!

Like father, like son.

One of the most powerful images in my mind is watching a child imitate their parents. They copy everything—the words, the tone, even the attitudes. Whether it’s good or bad, they reflect what they see.

That’s the picture God gives me of my relationship with Him.

I’m called to imitate Him—not in a distant, unattainable way, but as a child who is deeply loved. That means my identity comes first. 

I don’t imitate God to become His child—I imitate Him because I already am. 

Listen to this powerful verse: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children.” (Ephesians 5:1, NIV)

That phrase—dearly loved children—changes how I see everything. I’m not trying to perform for God. I’m not trying to earn His approval. I already have it.

And because I have it, I want to reflect Him.

So I ask myself: Do my words sound like His? Do my reactions reflect His heart? Do my priorities align with His priorities?

This is where life gets real. It’s easy to talk about faith—it’s much harder to live it in the everyday moments. When I’m frustrated, tired, or inconvenienced, that’s when imitation matters most.

Being like Jesus means I choose patience when I’d rather be harsh. I choose kindness when it’s easier to ignore. I choose humility when pride is knocking at the door.

This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional.

Today, I want to pay attention. I want to notice the moments where I can reflect Jesus more clearly. Not as a performance, but as a response to love.

Let’s do that together, starting with this prayer:

Dear Father, thank You that I am Your dearly loved child. Help me to reflect You today. In my words, my actions, and my attitudes, make me more like Jesus. Show me where I need to grow, and give me the strength to choose Your way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Never forget, my friend—

You are a miracle!