WHO ARE YOU IMITATING?

Having a younger child at home and two parrots help me gain perspective on imitation. It is one thing for Zach to imitate things he sees Mom and Dad do and say, but it is even scarier to think that two parrots can pick up our words.

Paul wrote these words to the church in Ephesus: "Follow God's example (Be imitators) in everything you do just as much as a loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take
away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ's love for you was like sweet perfume to him. Let there be no sex sin, impurity or greed among you. Let no one be able to accuse you of any such things. Dirty stories, foul talk and coarse jokes -- these are not for you. Instead, remind
each other of Gods goodness and be thankful" (Ephesians 5:1-4)

Wow -- powerful words. Our Amazon parrot has picked up lots of sounds and words -- your kids, wife, and co-workers pick up your words - - who are you imitating? Charles Swindoll says, "that we ought to so live our lives that we wouldn't be afraid to sell the family parrot to the town gossip." Good reminder for today and always.