‘Be imitators of God, as dear children’  (Ephesians 5:1)

The Lord proposes Himself to us as our pattern, and He gives grace to everyone who desires to imitate Him. He exhorts us as His dear and tenderly beloved children, and in mildest strains proposes Himself for our imitation.

Let us imitate the Lord in the world, dealing justly, always acting from holy principles, and by a righteous rule, adhering strictly to truth, for our God is the God of truth: choosing our company, being only familiar with them who are familiar with God; and doing good to all, especially to all who are of the household of faith; for He causes His sun to shine on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Let us imitate Him in the church, cultivating a spirit of love to all saints, notwithstanding their infirmities, exercising forbearance, and pity; being slow to anger and ready to forgive; accepting the will for the deed, and always being ready to help in trouble and distress. Let us imitate our God, for He commands us; our relation to Him requires it; and our peace is involved in it.

This will solve th’ important question,
Whether thou art a real Christian,
Better than each golden dream:
Better far than lip expression,
Towering notions, great profession;
This will show your love to Him.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘FEB. Still tried, but still supported. I try to wait patiently as before God, but cannot help being anxious. I want to be more lively and more useful, but everything around me has a deadening tendency.’