Animals are predictable in their behaviors. You can count on them to behave a certain way based upon what kind of animal they are. You would be surprised to find a cat who didn’t at least swat at a mouse that ran by, or a dog that never sniffed around or refused to wag his tail. Animals only do the things that are based upon what they should do. They live up to their name.
God expects His children to do what they were redeemed to do – to live up to their name. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Eph. 5:1). “Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you” (Eph. 5:2). “Do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints” (Eph. 5:3). “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8). “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them” (Eph. 5:11). “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise” (Eph. 5:15).
It must be noted that living as God’s children is not like animal instinct. Instead, we are challenged to remind ourselves daily of who we are because of God’s great mercy and grace. Only as we do this consistently are we living up to our name.
– by Shane Williams