Imitate Me

There is an old saying that goes “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”  It’s often used as a complimentary statement to show respect or appreciation for someone by following their teaching or example.  Does imitation have any role in the life of the Christian?  

Paul indicates it does if it has a proper focus.  Notice what he says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”  Our focus should be on Jesus and following His teachings and example to the best of our ability.  This will result in being the obedient and holy people God wants and expects us to be.  Paul often exhorts his listeners to be imitators.  For example, take note of what Paul tells the Corinthian church earlier in chapter four of his first letter:  “I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.  For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.  Therefore I urge you, imitate me.  For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church” (vs. 14-17).  Paul was a faithful example of imitating Jesus through his teaching of and living by the gospel.

As he encouraged the churches of his time, Paul also encourages us as we strive to imitate the Lord.  For instance, in Ephesians 5:1-2 we read, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”  And as we learn from 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, “And you became followers (imitators – DS) of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.”

As we live our daily lives, may we do our best to “imitate Christ,” by letting the light of Christ shine forth from us through our words and actions that others might see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).