Prewired to Be Imitators

Prewired to Be Imitators TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 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 as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV. TODAY'S WORD: Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it’s a fun game, but internally, they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just watch and do the same thing. That’s because we are all prewired to be imitators. Just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love. If you need to change your actions today, change what you are imitating by simply changing your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. And when you do things God’s way, you will get God’s results—peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life! PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father, I choose to put You first place in my life and imitate You. I set aside the things of the world and invite You to search my heart and mind. Give me Your heart of love and teach me to be an example of Your goodness in Jesus’ name. Amen.

PS...

The Law of the Harvest: You Reap More Than You Sow

 

by Rick Warren

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV)

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (NIV).

If you ever feel pressured to give, don't. You don't get any credit for that kind of gift. The Bible says, "God loves a cheerful giver.” God’s not looking at the amount you give but at your attitude.

This principle of sowing and reaping applies to every area of life, not just your finances. Whatever you sow in life, you're going to reap. Whatever you deposit is going to be returned to you. If you sow criticism in life, you are going to reap criticism from other people. If you sow kindness, you're going to reap kindness. It's the law of the harvest. If you plant apple seeds, you don't get pears; you get apples. If you sow with generosity, you will reap generosity.

This is the principle of the harvest: Whenever you have a need, plant a seed. When a farmer looks at his barren fields, he doesn't gripe about it. He just goes out and starts planting some seed. If he only has a little bit of seed, he has a choice. He can either hoard it, or he can give it away. If he holds onto it, that's all he's got. If he gives it away, God will multiply it. The amazing thing is this: You don't just reap what you sow. You always reap more than you sow!

God set it up this way because he wants you to become like him. God is a giver. The only way that you're ever going to become like him is to learn to be generous. When you're stingy, you're like the devil. When you're generous, you're like God. When you give it away, God multiplies it.

This sounds illogical — to give away when you have a need so that you will get more back. But that's why it’s faith! God says the way you get is by giving, not by holding on.

Talk It Over

• What are some examples from your life where you have received from God and others more than you gave away?
• How do you decide in your heart what you should give?