Imitating God is not play-acting

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. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:1–21)

Since Jesus put me in God's family, I’m to behave as a child of God, not living like an unsaved person or going along with them in what they think and do. My godly behavior is intended to contrast the things of darkness so people can see the difference. I’m not to be foolish, but understand God's will. My source of joy is in Him, in being thankful, and in being submissive to the needs of others because of my reference of Christ. 

While all this sounds lofty, it can be very down to earth. The old nature has this idea that having my own way is better than meeting needs, or even doing the will of God. That means making supper for my hubby or family when I don’t feel like it. It means being generous rather than a fat bank account. It means making a call when I dislike talking on the phone. It also means saying NO when I want to say YES, or saying YES when I would rather not. This is related to what Jesus says: 

Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:25–33)

Being a Christian is not going through the motions. It is about being not just doing. I cannot fake it or act like it. I must be it. 

Jesus, the longer I walk with You the more I am aware of the cost. It is mostly time, sometimes finances, but always giving up my own wants and desires in daily activities. Yesterday I wanted to create a new project, but You had other plans that took all the time available. Also, I had asked for a surprise, no expectations or wants, and You surprised me with an opportunity that scares me silly, but I knew I had to say yes. I just shake my head at the wonder of You.