Imitation
December 19, 1999
Dear Friends:
My sister, when she was a very little girl, used to pretend with our neighbor across the street that she was going to meeting. They would sit “in meeting” and have the breaking of bread. If my sister would break role and try to speak, the friend would tell her to be quiet as it was not polite to speak during the breaking of bread service.
It is often cute when kids try to emulate their parents; especially when it comes to wholesome things such as reading the Bible or some other aspects of our service to God. They pick up on the words and actions of the people they admire and parrot them back in their games.
However, when it is no longer a child, but an adult, and their motivation is to deceive, the picture is no longer cute, but abominable.
Jesus spoke of the Pharisees in such terms when he said “Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; which devour widows’ houses, and for a show make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.” (Luke 20:46,47) He also said “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” (Matt. 6:1-2)
One could make the argument based upon the heavy criticism of Christ on the Pharisees that one of the most abhorred things in God’s eyes is feigned righteousness.
What is feigned righteousness? It is religion without the inclusion of the heart. It is the outward show of a believer without the required faith. It is going through the motions. It is changing the outward appearance without changing the inner man. It is a wolf in sheep’s clothing or a whited sepulcher full of dead men’s bones.
Like a little child mimicking a parent, we must emulate Christ. If it seems a task too daunting to imitate Christ, then imitate brethren that live Godly lives. “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” (Heb. 13:7 NIV)
Do this not for your own glory, but to the glory of God. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) We must change our hearts. Our lifestyle must come from a deep conviction in the Gospel and not from an effort to please men.
They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. When it comes to imitating our Savior, let us be sure by examining ourselves that ours is imitation and not mockery.
Have a great week!
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