“Do as I say, not as I do!”

Have you ever heard that or maybe even said that to a child? We want to set a good example to follow, but sometimes we’d rather them take our advice than follow in our footsteps! Children are great imitators of their parents. Especially in the early years and often in their adulthood, their attitudes and behaviors often mimic and imitate the example set before them.

The questions for each of us are, “Who am I imitating and who is imitating me? ”

It’s not just children who watch you. Your friends and colleagues are watching too. How you handle stress and care about others is often how they see Jesus in you.

A Christian lady worked in a secretarial pool. One of her coworkers was always telling off-colored jokes, using cuss words, and complaining about nearly everything. The first lady kept her tongue and didn’t react to the wild things her coworker said or did. But one day she had reached her limit and was determined she would give her coworker a piece of her mind! But before she could do so, the coworker came quietly to her, asking if she could confide in her about a problem she was having. She said the other coworkers were so judgmental that she didn’t feel safe confiding in them. “But you’re different. You don’t judge.”

Some of you may think you don’t want to be imitated because we so easily see all our own faults.  But like it or not, we are ambassadors for Christ wherever we go. The good news is that we can raise the bar. We can refuse to submit to negative self talk and condemnation and instead reflect on how Jesus prayed and treated others. We can raise the bar and refuse to stoop to “witty” sarcasm and mocking cynicism and instead take on the example of honesty and compassion Jesus set. We can model Jesus in not having to defend and assert ourselves at every occasion. We can breathe deeply instead of using our finger to thump our points into the table. We can seek to be peacemakers instead of being divisive. We can grant grace rather than judgment and disdain to those around us, just as Jesus grants to us. We will not be perfect but we can be real. We can raise the bar… today.

Unlike the sign I saw above the racks of belts in the store that read, “Genuine imitation leather,” we are not called to be imitation as in fake. We are called to let Jesus be genuinely reflected in the way we live and the reason why we live. Paul actually urged his followers to imitate him. (1 Corinthians 4:16) That might seem presumptuous, but Paul could say that because he lived a genuine life. He walked the talk. He didn’t say “Clothe the naked” while hoarding a closet full of expensive shoes. He clarified this later saying, “Be imitators of me, in so far as I in turn am an imitator of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) In others words, imitate me as long as my behavior truthfully reflects Christ.

We’re called to be genuine imitators of God, to walk in love, “just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma,” (Ephesians 5:1-2) a life that attracts them to God.

Like the apostles, we too are “on display” for others to see the God who not only forgave us and rescued us with his amazing grace but who is transforming us by his power! We’re not on display to impress others or even be concerned if they judge us. Our purpose is to imitate God, to reflect his love, peace, and joy.

Let’s ask God to search our hearts. Lord, let my ambitions and goals serve to point others to you. Let my actions reflect the loving care you show me. Let my testimony be one of faith and praise even in times of trouble. Lord, show me how to live each day so it reflects your great love and power.