Friday, March 16, 2018

March 16 Thought for the day...can you be imitated?


Every Christian wants to be like Jesus. We read the Bible we know we are supposed to live and act like Him but knowing what that should look like is not easy. The writer of Hebrews tells us a way to start.

"that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:12

There has got to be someone in your life that you look up to spiritually. While no one is perfect, there are those in all of our lives who have been walking the faith and are accomplishing a fulfilled destiny in Christ. This passage says, recognize those who you see who through faith and patience are inheriting the promise and imitate them. The word translated "imitate" stresses mimicry, more like an actor learning to portray someone for a movie. It is the intense study of a person's character, nature, and actions so you might imitate them precisely. It is what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1. There should be someone in your life that is imitating Christ well enough that they can be an example for your growth so you can also inherit the promises.

If an actor portrays the person long enough, everyone will be convinced that they are the person they portray. God brings people into all of our lives that are, through their faith and patience, becoming more like Jesus every day. An easier way for each of us to grow is to watch their lives and become more like them as they become more like Christ.

If you are feeling bad, afraid, anxious, choose instead to "act" like the person you know who is walking like Christ. It is not hypocritical to act this way we are told in Romans 13:14 to in every way put on Christ. When we don't feel like smiling we smile to help people see Jesus, we love when we feel unlovable because someone has a need. Then we go to those that we are imitating and ask for their help to become what we have portrayed to help others.

I know this may be a hard thing for some to grasp, but this is merely a way that we die to ourselves and live as Christ for others. Imitating others to grow to become like Christ. Laying down our pain, insecurities, anxieties to minister to others then allowing those we trust to minister to us.

I hope you have someone in your life you can imitate. It will only help you to grow to reflect Jesus! One last question...if others were to imitate you would they be reflecting Jesus in all things?

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I absolutely love your daily word, each one challenges us in different areas of our every day life. I pray that others would see Jesus in me and if someone would imitate me He would be reflected. Your questions bring such encouragement and yes even conviction at times, but it’s good to look at ourselves and take note of what needs work! Thank you for being a reflection of Christ always and for your unconditional love and support to everyone. You truly are an example we all should be imitating. May the Lord continue to use you in a mighty way thank you for being obedient to Him!!