When individuals imitate something, they copy or mimic that thing. Items or behaviors are reproduced; patterns are followed.
Although it is possible to imitate evil, God calls His children to do otherwise. We must imitate Christ (John 13:15), faithful individuals (Hebrews 6:12), and faithful congregations (1 Thessalonians 2:14).
Paul also told the Ephesians that we must imitate God. He wrote: “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1).
Summarizing the idea, the apostle John declared:
“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11).
Following Godly Examples.
Paul frequently encouraged others to imitate or follow his example (see 1 Corinthians 4:16). Regarding the message he proclaimed, he instructed Timothy:
“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13).
Later in that same letter, he commended Timothy for following his “doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance” (3:10).
No doubt Paul was thankful for Timothy’s eagerness to learn from him. Nevertheless, Paul recognized that he was only worthy of imitation insofar as he imitated Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 11:1).
Thus, we must make every effort to imitate God, not man.
The Importance of Imitating God.
In Ephesians 5, the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of proper behavior.
Because Christians have been redeemed by Christ (Ephesians 1:7), reconciled “in one body” (2:16), and equipped “for the work of the ministry” (4:12), he instructs his readers to “walk worthy” (verse 1).
We cannot do this if we follow those who reject God and callously engage in all sorts of wicked actions (verses 17-19). We can, however, do this if we will imitate God (5:1).
But how is this to be done? Peter answered:
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:13-16).
Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.
Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.
