Imitators of God

Here are some thoughts from the beginning of my study this week in Ephesians 5:1-16. What does it mean to be imitators of God? It seems to be relative to what is going on in present day society. Kind of makes you wonder about the level of spirituality and encourages us to take our own level to the next step. Shame on us if we don't.
We are called to live for God and to be imitators of Him (Eph. 5:1), just as children follow after the patterns seen in their parents. Here are some of the patterns that a godly lifestyle would include, patterns that we should be embracing:
(1) Living in love, which means giving of ourselves sacrificially for the benefit of others, just as Christ has done for us (5:2).
(2) Forsaking selfish pursuits such as self-seeking immorality and ruthless greed (5:3, 5).
(3) Replacing filthy talk, flippant chatter, and unkind jesting with communication rooted in thanksgiving to God and affirmation of others (5:4, 20).
(4) Exercising discernment about what we are told so as not to be susceptible to trickery from others (5:6–7, 15).
(5) Bowing out from situations where evil is the agenda (5:11–12).
(6) Managing our time well (5:16).
It rained today!