Imitator or Imitation?

 "Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us." Ephesians 5: 1, 2

    As my granddaughter and I were coloring in her Thomas the Tank Engine coloring book, I began to hum a tune. I felt Esme's eyes peep up at me, then she also began to hum. A smile teased the corners of my mouth as I pondered how readily my actions were impressed upon this wee one. How careful I must be around this little sponge!

    As a child of God, how do I imitate Him? 

    The first thought that comes to mind is our greatest commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." (Deut. 6:5) After all, I do not want to imitate someone I dislike. 

    Of course, the second greatest commandment is to "Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:12) I don't resemble Jesus at all when I am harboring resentment, speaking slanderously or gossiping. 

    Then, I must listen to and recognize the voice of the Shepherd. "My sheep listen to my voice," said Jesus, "and they follow me." He speaks to me through his Word, the Bible. It is there that I receive such directives as, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19) "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone." (Romans 12:17)

    Here's one that may surprise you: If I want to be like Christ, I must expect to suffer. The Apostle Paul said, "I want to know Christ - yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like Him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:10, 11) Imitating Jesus is not for sissies, rather "whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)

    As a wordsmith, I am drawn to definitions and root words, so I pondered the difference between "imitate" and "imitation." "Imitate" means to "copy the mannerisms or speech of, " while "imitation" suggests a more sour connotation: "Something copied from an original, often in an inferior way." 

    I pictured an imitation Christian, one who is not sincere in their belief. Perhaps for this person, following Jesus is a weekend endeavor or a religious tradition. But the secular world sees through this flimsy copy of the Original. 

    To reflect the Son, I must be prepared to lose my life. It is only then that my true life is found in Christ. (Matthew 10:39) 

    So, to be like Christ, I must grab a towel and be ready to wash feet.(John 13: 4, 5) Who knows? I may even hum while doing so.

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12: 9, 10, 12