Occasionally we coaches have our older gymnasts demonstrate a skill or drill for our younger athletes so they can get a visual understanding of the trick. We do so on everything from basic body shapes to high-level skills. Giving the younger gymnasts a picture of what has just been explained is very beneficial for them. Once they see the skill, they are in a better position to imitate the actions they’ve seen. A young gymnast can’t attempt a skill without first seeing it done and imitating what she sees. Young gymnasts, in essence, become imitators of their older teammates.
Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” (5:1-2). How is it possible for human beings to imitate God? God made sure He sent us an example in Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ modeled a life of perfect obedience to God. He walked among us as an example to demonstrate the life God wants us to lead through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Without the picture of Christ’s perfect life, we can’t live a life pleasing to God, because our sinful life is rebellious to obedience. We need to see that it is possible to live in a manner pleasing to God. Among sinful humanity there was no one to demonstrate an obedient life. And, we couldn’t even attempt to obey God without first seeing it done. So Christ, the perfect man, walked among us, and then He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within believers so we might live the obedient life to God.
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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Godnesia: Keeping God in Mind Each Day http://amzn.to/2GSquOD
Ordinary Days With an Extraordinary Savior – http://amzn.to/2mFGASBLife Is a Metaphor: Recognizing God in the Everyday – http://amzn.to/2De1rU2
Please keep me in prayer for higher credit score and debt freedom. Also healing of gum disease Thank You!
Man of God, when this year begun, I had high hopes and optimism of what has been going on in my my life for the past two years was something of the past. Lord himself state that he can’t let us be tempted more than what we can’t hold. Pray for me ,my family my and small business . I’m depressed and weaken by power of darkness. My wife too. We need God more than before and we have seek him but still going through hard time.