Why Imitate?
As a Christian, why do you follow God’s ways? What is the underlying reason for choosing God’s methods instead of your own? These questions challenge us to deeply evaluate our actions and motives. Take a moment before reading any further to consider your answer.
Now, let’s reflect upon a couple common responses to these questions. The most frequent reply I have heard is thankfulness. People are so overcome with gratitude by all our God and Savior has done to rescue us. Therefore, they are willing to follow His ways. This reminds me of movies where one character saves another’s life. Then the person who was saved stays by the side of the hero to serve him or her for the rest of their days. They no longer see their life as their own. This is exactly what 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20a says:
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
This answer certainly holds truth. It is a reason. No doubt. But I am going to challenge us to dig deeper to something even more fundamental.
Another reason can be summed up in one word: fear. Now this may not seem too positive, but all of us can relate in one shape or another. It’s the recognition of one of two realities. The first is a fear of consequences. It’s a realization that God’s ways are better than our ways. He is wise and His ways will end better for us. Whereas our choices, although satisfying for the short-term, would result in more pain and heartache. The second reality is a fear of discipline. As a kid, was there ever a time where you chose not to do something because you knew you’d get in a heap of trouble? Well, it’s true in our spiritual lives as well.
Fear is also a truthful answer backed by scripture (Heb 12:5-11). But let’s look deeper into the soul. I have come to learn that God shows us much about the spiritual world by the physical world. He created the physical, the known, the visible, to teach us about the unknown invisible spiritual dimension. I’d like to share an example that you have probably experienced in your life as well.
Last year I was hanging out with a friend in their garage. It was just her and I and her young son. Her husband likes to work on cars in his spare time and his tools were all around. As the two of us were talking, I was watching the boy play. What was he doing? I’m so glad I took pictures so I could share them with you today. Look, he’s working on his vehicles; just like daddy.
Now, ask that little boy why he’s acting like daddy. What would he reply? Is it because he’s thankful? No. Is he afraid of consequences or discipline? No. What is the basic underlying reason the boy imitates his father? It’s all about WHO he is. He is his father’s child. His daddy loves him and therefore he loves his daddy. He does what his daddy does.
There will be times in that little boy’s life when he will choose to obey his father because he is thankful or fearful. However, even that is ultimately based on who he is and his father’s love for him.
WHO are you? You are a dearly loved child of the almighty creator God. You are a new creation. Your actions are based on and come forth from who you believe you are. Do you believe WHO you are? I challenge you to focus on and instill in your mind WHO you are throughout the week.
Believe WHO you are.
Below are links to scriptures that describe what it means to be a child of God and a new creation. Try reflecting on one each day to support you in your effort.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Romans 8:14-17
2 Corinthians 5:16-20
Philippians 2:14-16(a)
Ephesians 4:20-24
Psalm 32:9
Who are you
Originally posted March 4, 2019.
Great read! Cute little man…. 😉
“Little man” is right! And he’s as strong as an ox!
I really put in my thinking cap, prayed, & read the scriptures you gave us. Don’t know if I’m on the right track but if you asked me years ago when i was a new Christina I might have said i was thankful but as i grew in Christ I matured & today i think of myself as God’s daughter. Aren’t we trying to become like God’s ambassadors and help others. We always keep following God & learning from him & believe me I’m still learning everyday. So yes i am part God’s family & when I feel He comforts me or reminds me i am his child he speaks lovingly & says daughter you are mine & I love you.
Nicely stated. Yes, it is a continual learning process! Love is the best environment for learning. Thank you, Susan.
Led to: I can be made new each day in the ATTITUDE I chose each day.
I like that going through these Devotionals. I am led to read in the Bible. I like to read the Life Application Translation Study notes; and often find in the notes stuck in my Bible help for the day. As well as understanding on current issues.
Study Bibles are great! They provide many helpful tools to help readers dig in and grasp a more comprehensive understanding of the scriptures. Attitude IS everything, even in reading the scriptures. I remember a time that a Bible study instructed me to read a certain passage that I had studied for years, literally. I almost didn’t read it because I figured I knew it so well. But, I changed my attitude and read it. Guess what? God showed me something totally new! His word is ALIVE. He will lead those with humble spirits.
Still considering the answers to questions above. Good stuff for thoughts. Thanks.
Thanks for the comment, Larkellen. It’s a good topic to chew on for several days!
Heather, I really appreciate the deeper insight into our desire to grow and develop spiritually. It speaks to our great capacity to grow in the Lord.
As I was writing, I was reminded of a video clip of a little boy who was reading a newspaper. He would turn the page and then lick his fingers. He was imitating, but not doing it correctly. He didn’t know a person licks his fingers in order to grip and turn the page. There was no beratement, but joy. It’s also true spiritually. The point is not perfection, but that we grow in imitating. There is joy in that! Thank you for pointing out the great capacity for growth!