Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
We are called to be imitators of Jesus Christ. When we examine the life of Jesus upon the earth we see that His life was filled with love. He challenged people with the truth, but did all things in love. He didn’t have to lay down His life, but He chose to lay down His life. He chose the cross and He chose the nails. He did all of this because of His life.
Our journey with Jesus is about transformation. Being transformed into the image of Christ. This happens through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we draw near to the Lord in the place of prayer and in the study of God’s word we are supernaturally transformed into the image of Christ.
If we are not being transformed into the image of Christ or have no desire to draw near to the Lord, we need to examine if we are truly born again. Many have raised their hands at churches services and filled out cards believing themselves to be born again, but have not truly given the Lord their whole heart.
When Jesus called anyone to follow Him He spoke of denying oneself and picking up one’s cross. Following Jesus is a life of surrender. Surrendering our lives to the will of God. When we have denied ourselves we have truly laid down our will and made God’s will the driving force of our lives. As we grow in Christ the desire of our heart simply becomes the will of God.
The Father's Heart 