Against the Current: Imitating God in a World That Pulls Us the Other Way

Over the last few months, our pastor (let’s call him PC) has been taking us through the book of Ephesians. As we come to the closing chapters of the letter, Paul shifts his focus to how believers should live.

He addresses several key areas:

• Living as Children of Light (Ephesians 4:17–32)
• Living in the Light (Ephesians 5:1–14)
• Living by the Spirit’s Power (Ephesians 5:15–20)
• Spirit-Guided Relationships (Ephesians 5:21–33)

Before Paul dives into these specific instructions, he establishes a foundational principle:

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children.” (Ephesians 5:1)

In other words, our lives should consistently reflect the character of Christ.

This is where the theme of our series, Against the Current, becomes especially relevant.

Anyone can float downstream. It takes no effort to go where everyone else is going. But following Christ often means swimming against the cultural currents that seek to shape our thinking, attitudes, and behaviour. Paul calls believers to a different way of living—a life that reflects the heart and character of God, even when the world around us is moving in the opposite direction.

As we begin a new work week and step back into our workplaces, we are often confronted by a culture that tells us to climb the ladder at all costs, compete relentlessly, protect our own interests, and view success as something to be achieved regardless of who gets hurt along the way. Many people find themselves working in environments marked by comparison, rivalry, and unhealthy competition, forgetting that each of us is running the race God has uniquely set before us.

The current of our culture says, “Get ahead.”
Jesus says, “Serve others.”

The current says, “Look out for yourself.”
Jesus says, “Love your neighbour.”

The current says, “Win at all costs.”
Jesus says, “Imitate God.”

Becuase you are Called for More, my encouragement to you this week is simple:

Live against the current. Imitate Christ.

Choose to be intentionally kind to a colleague—especially the one who seems to be competing with you.

Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:9–10:

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”

From this instruction we learn an important truth:

Kindness Is a Decision

Kindness is not a feeling; it is a decision.

It is easy to be kind when people are kind to us. It is far more Christlike to show kindness when it is undeserved. Every act of grace, patience, encouragement, and integrity is a reflection of the God we claim to follow.

Living against the current means choosing kindness when competition feels easier. It means choosing humility when self-promotion seems more rewarding. It means choosing integrity when cutting corners appears advantageous.

This week:

• Choose kindness over competition.
• Choose service over self-promotion.
• Choose integrity over ambition.
• Choose Christ over culture.

Because when we imitate God, we become a powerful witness in a world desperately searching for something different.

Prayer

Lord, help us to walk as Your children this week. May our words, attitudes, and actions reflect Your character. Give us the courage to live against the current and the strength to choose kindness, even when it is difficult. May others see Christ in us and be drawn closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Thought

“The world says, ‘Get ahead.’ Jesus says, ‘Love well.’ The world rewards competition; God honours Christlikeness. Following Jesus means living against the current.”