Ephesians 5:1-2 – 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.

     My family and I had the opportunity yesterday to travel a few miles south and travel a few hundred years back in time.  We went to the English Settlement at Plimoth Plantation, where ‘Cultural Interpreters’ enable to guests of the settlement to experience life in 1627.  It was particularly interesting to me, as I had the opportunity to “meet” my distant relative, Mrs. Warren.  I explained that her son was my nine-time-great grandfather, but she didn’t understand, knowing that her son was less than a year old.  As anyone whose been to Plimoth Plantation can tell you, the ‘residents’ of the settlement pain-stakingly act as if it is indeed 1627.  There are no radios, TVs, incandescent lights, gas-driven engines, or accoutrements of our contemporary culture.  It takes discipline to remain true to your task, I can imagine.  It must be difficult to be a ‘cultural interpreter’ of the New World settlement of King James. 

     What would happen if those who profess Christ as Savior and Lord became ‘cultural interpreters’ of the kingdom of God?  I can only imagine the discipline required to live according to the tenets of Scripture and have no understanding of “Entertainment Tonight”.  What internal control would be necessary when people approach asking us our opinion of the latest “Twilight” movie or “Desperate Housewives” plot twist for those who are Christian to respond that they’ve no idea what they are speaking about!    How many of us – God-fearing, evangelical Christians that we are – would not be tripped up when asked about the characters of “Family Guy” or the topics on “Oprah” or the punch-line of course humor? 

     Paul commanded the people of the church to be imitators of God – “cultural interpreters” of His kingdom.  Would our lifestyle, preferences, conversations, expressions, amusements, styles, and pursuits serve as a suitable imitation of God?  Do those around us think us any different than most.  If those who work at Plimoth Plantation can be spotted within seconds amidst a crowd, how much more so those who belong to the kingdom of God!  Perhaps we’ll be considered odd, even mocked, for our determination to live out the life of a Christ-follower, but we would be imitators of God in a culture that needs people to stand firm for Him.

      Throughout the summer months in worship, we will be looking at the lives of some of the ‘cultural interpreters’ who’ve gone on to glory before us.  Those whose names are recorded in Hebrews 11 serve as a vibrant reminder that every generation needs men and women of faith.  Who will be our ‘cultural interpreters’ in this generation?

May the Lord reward all of us who earnestly seek to follow Him,    

Pastor Mike

If you'd like more info about us, e-mail us . We'd love to hear from you.