Imitation is the Greatest Form of Flattery

1 Peter 1:16
Ephesians 5:1
Deuteronomy 18:9
1 Corinthians 4:16
Hebrews 6:12
Hebrews 13:7

It will soon be time for Halloween! One of the most fun parts of the holiday is imitating someone or something through various types of costumes. In fact, imitation is part of our everyday lives. Some athletes imitate techniques of professionals. Some people imitate their favorite celebrities. We all imitate our role models. It has been said, "Imitation is greatest form of flattery."
The ultimate imitation is the imitation of Christ. We naturally mimic people in our lives who impact us and whom we respect. No one will impact us more than the Giver of Life (John 6:63), and we should respect no one more than the He who died to pay the penalty for our sin (Romans 5:8). The very word Christian means "Christ-like." If you call yourself a Christian, does your life call you a liar?
Many of us think it is heresy to tell others to imitate us. However, several times the Bible tells us to imitate men and women of God. Paul said, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." Christians are called by God to join together as one body. Each part of the body is to encourage and hold the other parts accountable. This is not be out of pride, however. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3) Also, don't be so proud to think your good enough not to need a spiritual mentor.
Are you worthy of imitation? Athletes do not imitate someone who demonstrates improper play. To do so would be detrimental to their goals. We should strive to be Christ-like in all ways so that others can, and will want to, imitate us until they are spiritually strong enough to be mentors themselves.