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Science has experimented with both man and animal to prove that imitation results in changed behavior. The premise is that if you do something often enough, it becomes a part of you. Like picking up a new accent or adding a swagger to your walk. This kind of permanent change is not limited to physiological actions; permanent change as a consequence of imitation is known to occur in personality as well.

Change like this can be positive or negative, depending on whom or what you are imitating. So Paul is very specific in his counsel. He says, “Imitate God.” Study God, know Him as thoroughly as is possible. Then mimic him! What could possibly go wrong in doing what God would do? Doing like God can only result in being God-like.

The Message elaborates this concept in Ephesians 5:1, 2 — “Watch what God does, and then do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. His didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.”