Who do you sound like?

Have you seen this sign? I had to laugh out loud when I first came across it, because it is so true. There are times, usually when parenting one of my children, when I open my mouth and my mother travels 346 miles in seconds and comes out of my mouth. Not only do I speak her words, but I do so with her mannerisms and tone. It was freaking the first time it happened. I honestly stood there stunned, thinking, I know she’s not here, but I swear it sounded like her.

The older I get, the more I start to see and hear my parents in both of my brothers and me. Friends of mine have said the same of themselves. They’ve tended to reflect their parents more and more.

My question is this, how many of us open our mouths and find the Father’s words coming out? How many of us have begun to reflect His mannerisms and even His tone when speaking to others?

Ephesians 5:1-2 says,

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

The only way to speak the words of the Father is to be familiar with them. That requires time spent with Him and His Word. You cannot model His mannerisms without seeing them displayed before you, and that requires spending time with others who are humble, selfless and know Him well.

If you are speaking the words of your Father and displaying His mannerisms, it isn’t by accident. It isn’t just genetic. It is the result of intentional investment on your part. You must set aside time just for Him.

What words come out of your mouth? What actions do you display? Would anyone mistaken them for your Father? If not, you can take steps to make it happen. There’s no time like the present.