“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Ephesians 5:1 ESV

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 ESV

I had gone to my car to retrieve my notebook, and I noticed how my car and my daughter’s car were both parked about ten feet back from the front edge of the gravel. Normally, we would be pulled up farther. 

Why the difference? I had parked beside her after arriving home from last night’s game. She had set, so to speak, the expectation; aren’t vehicles supposed to be stationed side-by-side?

It wasn’t a big difference, but it made me realize how we tend to match what is around us. Energy, attitudes, actions: it is in human nature to be imitators, no matter how much we would like to think of ourselves as independent trailblazers. 

Birds of a feather really do flock together! And we are never as strong as we think we are when it comes to choosing the right thing.

That is why our friend groups and relationships with others are so important. The power of the peer group doesn’t end with the teenage years. How many of us have had to leave people and places for the sake of our own well-being? 

No matter our circle, we must strive to be grounded in God’s truth, or else we will flock with whatever the crowd is doing. May we always seek acceptance and approval from the One who truly knows us, rather than from the world and all its lies and imperfection. 

And oh, how wonderful it is when we find a supportive bunch of people who are like-minded in their quest for Christ and their love for each other! Whether it’s a church, a Bible study or prayer group, family members, or co-workers, when you are surrounded by others who understand and share the same desire to be imitators of God, you are strengthened. 

Prayer: Father, help me to know You more, and put people with that same desire in my path.