Epaphroditus is not a virus! Who knew?

Our preacher gave us a thought stirring message yesterday.  He stated "We all have people looking up to us." and "Someone is taking up your character...good and bad."  He read scripture about Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30) who "imitated" or took on the character of Paul who was an "imitator" of Jesus Christ.  Our preacher posed the question, "Do you want to be imitated?"( ...as I am now????)  It was truly a reminder of our character to grow in the image of Christ and to represent Him well.

It was the summer of 1989.  I was employed by two insurance agents as a receptionist.  I would very much a routine person.  I would get up, and dress in my business clothes with my "clicks" on...high heels.  I would get in my car go to lunch and come home for lunch to relax and then head back to work.  I would come home and go to bed and start the process all over again.  I was pregnant in the year of 1989.  During the spring I starting "showing" my pregnancy, and by summer I was heading for "basketball" stage.  Cory was born in early September.  Across the street, 2 little girls about 5 years old were often outside playing when I came home for lunch.  This particular lunch visit I rolled out of the car and saw these sweet little blonde girls playing....all dressed up complete with mom's heels, a big purse, and here's the kicker...beach balls beneath their TShirts!  They were imitating my pregnancy!  They were parading around their little play swimming pool.  It was so stinking cute!  I laughed until I hurt when I got inside.

Friends, people are watching us, even when we don't think any one notices.  In our every day routine, someone is paying attention.  We have an awesome responsibility to represent Jesus well. 

Our preacher proceeded to tell us about the character in the followers of Jesus.  He answered the question he posed, "Do you want to be imitated?"  The answer is yes if you are saved.  You want to be imitated... "in the ways we are like Jesus." 

To know Jesus' ways is to read His word.

I am thinking those little girls are now in their twenties.  They could very well have babies of their own.  I pray their life is well and that they know Jesus.