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

Why is it important that we be known as “imitators of God?” As I spoke with a group of men earlier this week, the way we interact with others is a reflection of our daily faith. Read the verses below carefully.

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.

Ephesians 5: 3-6

Paul warns the Ephesians (and us) about the need to pursue purity in our hearts and that purity should be evident from the words we speak. When I read this passage, I always remember a time years ago, when talking with a younger man about how followers of Christ should avoid crude jokes. He didn’t see the harm, but all these years later his faith is shipwrecked.

Next Paul challenges his readers to walk in the light of the Lord and that light exposes the “unfruitful works of darkness.”

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,

Ephesians 5: 7-13

I don’t write from a position of perfection in any way, yet I am challenged by Paul’s words in the passage above to be transformed into a more faithful man each day.