Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Ephesians 5:1-2 – I’ve Been Watching You, Dad
Written by: Pastor Paul Georgulis

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2 (New Living Translation)
Paul’s command to imitate God isn’t simply about believing the right things—it is about living in such a way that our lives increasingly resemble the life of Jesus. Just as children naturally learn by watching their parents, followers of Jesus learn by watching Him.
I’m just going to come out and say this: I like country music. There’s a song by Rodney Atkins called “Watching You” that I’ve loved for years, but more so since I became a father to a little boy in October of 2014. Ok, maybe he wasn’t so little since he was born weighing 10 lbs. 13 oz.—but he was still my little boy.

Each verse of “Watching You” ends with a question to the artist’s son—“Son, now where’d you learn to talk like that?” and “Son, now where’d you learn to pray like that?” But the most powerful one comes near the end of the song:

“With tears in my eyes, I wrapped him in a hug. Said, ‘My little bear is growing up.” And he said, “But when I’m big, I’ll still know what to do. ‘Cause I’ve been watching you, dad, ain’t that cool? I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you. And eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are. Then I’ll be as strong as Superman. We’ll be just alike, hey, won’t we, dad? When I can do everything you do. ‘Cause I’ve been watching you.”

Every time I hear this song, I think of how my son watches me and wants to be just like me. In fact, just the other day, he was standing behind the pulpit of our church’s outdoor sanctuary pretending to preach like his daddy. That brought tears to my eyes, much like writing this devotion is doing right now.

The same is true for us. We are God’s children and we should strive to imitate Him, making Him our example and model. 1 Peter 1:15-16 tells us, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” This isn’t merely saying to think about, admire, or adore God, although those are all important. It is a call to practical action, going beyond our inner life with God.

Are you watching Jesus—through the reading and studying of Scripture—and trying to become more like Him?

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the wonderful gift that is country music, and for speaking to me through this song. I pray it spoke—and will continue to speak—to my readers as well. Thank you that we can look to you as our role model, guide, and perfect example of how we are to live our lives in love.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

Song: More Like Jesus – One Voice Worship - CLICK HERE