Like Father Like Son

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children  2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

I have a good friend who is really into golf. She not only plays golf but also works for the golf channel and works man of the tournaments.  So when I came across this story I had to share it. The story is of PGA player Phil Mickelson. During an interview with late-night talk-show host Conan O'Brien, Phil was asked what he would do to celebrate winning the Masters. Would he be drinking a lot? Mickelson said, "I'll spend time with my family. I don't need alcohol to help me have a good time."

Mickelson is known as Lefty because ...well, because he plays golf left-handed. But did you know that Lefty serves tennis balls right-handed? He writes right-handed. He holds a fork with his right hand. In fact, the only thing Lefty grabs with his left hand first is a golf club. The reason is most interesting. When he was one and a half years old, Phil learned the game by standing across from his father and watching him swing. His father plays right-handed. Mickelson simply mirrored his father's swing.

In Ephesians 5 we are told to do exactly that. "Be imitators of God.. . As dearly loved children." Or as The Message puts it, "Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents."

Dear Lord, we pray that we would be imitators of You. Help us read Your word so we will know what it is You would have us to do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.