It is said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Well, maybe, but in today’s social-media-fueled world, that may not necessarily be true. Imitation can be used to tear down and not build up.
Paul wrote these words to a community of Jesus-followers he loved dearly. He had spent a significant amount of time in Ephesus and worked hard to teach the faithful there how to develop their faith in Jesus and how to live as one of His followers. At the end of the day, he said simply, “Imitate God.”
In your relations with family members and friends, imitate God. In your business dealings, imitate God. When someone does or says something to “set you off,” imitate God. When your children get on your last nerve, imitate God. When you feel marginalized, ignored, overlooked — or worse — imitate God. In other words, show love, love mercy, be kind, uphold justice, and dispense grace.
Many people say that they don’t get mad, they get even. I tell people that I don’t get even — I get ahead. (In all fairness, that is in the realm of office practical jokes.) In life I have tried through the years to swallow words, take a breath, count to ten (or a hundred!), and live out forgiveness. Some days I try harder than others, I freely admit, thus making the time I have to spend in confessing my sin longer on some days than others. What I really need to do is simply, “Imitate God.”
Golfers imitate the top players, and it’s the same with tennis. Kids learning soccer try to imitate the stars they see on TV. There’s nothing at all wrong with that! What you and I need to do is to take Paul’s advice and make it real. In everything we do, imitate God. Live in such a way that it is as if God is occupying your skin for the day.
That’ll change how you respond to Atlanta traffic, I bet.