Christians: You MUST be imitators of God

These are commands, not suggestions. God doesn't lower the standard because He knows "we're not perfect". It's actually implied in the command that we already are imperfect (let's call it what it is: sinful) and therefore are commanded to stop sinning and be imitators of God:

Eph 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Mat 5:48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

1Pe 1:15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
1Pe 1:16 since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

3Jn 1:11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

Eph 4:21  assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 

Eph 4:22  to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 

Eph 4:23  and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 

Eph 4:24  and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 

Eph 1:19  and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 

Eph 1:20  that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 

Eph 1:21  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 

Php 2:12  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 

Php 2:13  for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.