Chip off the ‘Ol Block

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Ephesians 5:1 (NLT)

There is an old-school phrase that has been used for generations to describe people’s children. He or she is a “chip off the ol’ block.” I know, it’s kind of a weird phrase. But, frankly, the English language is weird all the time. But, I digress. The concept of the phrase is basically that a piece of a larger rock has been removed, or chipped, yet still resembles the big rock in many ways – it is the same type of rock, it has the same coloring, etc. In other words, “your child is just like you.” It’s usually meant as a compliment, and a source of pride as a parent.

The Apostle Paul tells us to be “chips off the ol’ block” of God. He wrote, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” In other words, we are supposed to be easily identifiable as one of His children.

Here’s the issue: Do we accurately reflect who God is to others?

I posed something like the following question on social media not too long ago: “If the only way people were to know God were from your social media posts, what would they think of Him?” The responses were very interesting. Nearly everyone that commented, and private-messaged me, said that people would have a poor view of God based on their behavior online. In other words, the view that the world was getting from their online behavior is that God hates democrats and republicans, and either hates or loves our current president. He was a political socialist. He is judgmental, angry, and not polite. He cares only for people that have the same view as Him. And on and on and on the insults go.

Here’s the problem, Jesus is none of these things. He is pure love, not hate. (1 John 4:16) He came to save, not judge. (John 3:16-17) He shows compassion and mercy. (Luke 1:50) He healed the sick, cast out demons, and restored dignity to millions. (Matthew 11:4-6)

Fellow Christians, today, and every day, commit to representing the Kingdom of God accurately. Say and do loving things. Point people to the Savior. Show compassion and mercy. Care for those who are hurting. Help restore the dignity of those who feel low. In other words, be a “chip off the ol’ block.”