For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Yesterday we talked about an insect that imitated/mimicked an orchid, something breathtakingly beautiful, only to become something ugly and ravenous, as it lured and devoured other insects
Today I’d like us to look at a different kind of imitation/mimicry.
As we travel into the market place to make purchases, both for ourselves and for others, we typically have a product and potentially even a brand in mind. I am not usually a brand name shopper (I am cheap ; ) but there are some brands that I have come to know as just being a purchase that provides me with a greater value.
Whether it is clothing, handbags, colognes or foods, imitations are rarely as good as the original and are in fact much less desirable. They tend to lack the ability to provide us with a great value for our money.
We, Christians, are one of the rare circumstances when an imitation has real value.
There are dozens and dozens of verses that speak to us regarding being imitators of Christ.
We are to walk like Jesus – “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” 1 John 2:6; “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2;
We are to love, as Jesus did – “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35.
We are to forgive the way that Jesus did – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
And the reason that we are to imitate Christ is not so that we can earn our way in to heaven – ” For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9.
We don’t mimic Jesus to attempt to be perfect, because this side of heaven, that cannot be achieved. “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:22.
And we certainly do not imitate our Savior so that people will think we are good. – “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10.
We are not some cheap knock-off, we are imitators of Jesus Christ so that those who do not know Him will see Him, in us, and desire to know him as their personal Lord and Savior, which in turn, allows Him to rescue them from eternal damnation. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:6; Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11
We are a valuable imitation, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10.
I pray that today we would imitate Christ in such a powerful way that those around us would even inquire of us as to what we have that they are lacking. And, I pray that we would be bold for Him and tell of the marvelous things that He has done.
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and you desire experiencing the kind of peace, love and joy that comes with trusting the Lord with our very lives, I pray that you would go to our Life Preserver page and pray the prayer that is outlined there. Once you have, please reach out to me and let me know so that I can be in prayer for you and hopefully, can help you grow in your knowledge of, and relationship with, our Precious Savior.
Luv Ya!
