3:59 – Imitation is the Best Form of Flattery

#faithbites #faithjourney imitation

I was watching TV with my eldest and my wife tonight, then I heard a noise. I went and saw my youngest making a mess in the bathroom and on the stairs. Turns out she was mixing food, drinks, and soap, and whatever she had together. She said she was sorry but she was making things like Daddy does. So was trying to imitate me.

We often hear that imitation is the best form of flattery. While it can be annoying, it shows that someone is looking up to you. Guess who else used imitation to show love and respect? Jesus

Scripture

• Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. – John 5:19
• Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. – John 14:12
• For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. – 1 Corinthians 4:15-17
• Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Reflection

Let’s look at this. First Jesus says he can do nothing by himself. He does what he sees his father do. Then he tells his disciples that if they believe in him, they will do works even greater than he does. Then Timothy is going to be an imitator of Paul, who imitates Jesus, who imitates God. Lastly, Paul is saying to imitate him as he is of Christ.

So, here it is. We can do nothing without the Father. We should show Christ in everything we do. Not only that, but we are commanded to do even greater works than Christ. Talk about that command?

What a challenge that is? How will you rise up?

Challenge

What does doing Greater works than Jesus mean to you? How will you continue the imitation cycle? Share one way you will imitate him!

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your perfect example in Christ. He imitated you as we are commanded to imitate him. We are lost without you. Help us to keep you as our model. Help us not to stray. Give us the knowledge and ability to always make the right choice on who we imitate. In your name, Amen.