Live A Life To Be Imitated

by Tammy Iund Woodard

Monday - 5.24.21

Siblings.  You know that thing, where the youngest sibling wants to be just like the oldest sibling?  Maybe it’s more prominent in same gender siblings.  My little sister wanted to do everything I did.  We are almost 7 years apart.  My dad used to joke and say, “One daughter is headed out the door with her date and the other is headed out the door with her stuffed animal.”  My little sister thought she could go everywhere and do everything I did.  IT DROVE ME CRAZY.  As a side note, let me be real clear, I adore my sister and am thrilled I get to do life with her every day!! LOL.

We ended last week with this thought:

Jesus has repented (shub) you so that you can imitate Him and ask others to in turn imitate you.  Paul says it like this, Galatians 2:20 “My old self has been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (and 1 Corinthians 11:1) “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”

Imitation.  What’s the quote?  “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”  ― Oscar Wilde.  Anyone else just find imitation annoying?  What if imitation is the best way to create disciples?  That was Jesus' method and it seemed to work.  

Let’s take another look at Paul.  Paul was converted from a religious zealot with a list of do’s and don’t and he could check every box.  Paul was quite familiar with the law.  Yet, prior to his conversion and name change, Paul was murdering Christ Followers.  Solid proof that knowing the law doesn’t mean you are in a relationship with Jesus and knowing the law doesn’t have the power to transform your life.  After Paul’s encounter with Christ, he had a true change of heart and therefore a change of lifestyle and he penned the statement, (1 Corinthians 11:1) “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”

A life of imitation.  What does that look like?  Does it mean perfection?  I would say not.  Does it mean holiness?  I would say so.  I loved Pastor Mark’s statement in his message on this topic (5/23/21): “Holiness is not a condition for salvation but a condition of salvation.”  What does holiness look like?  Galatians 5:22-23 - But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!  These are exact opposites to the things Paul is referring to in Romans 1 & 2.

In his letter in Romans, Paul is instructing us to live a life of holiness worthy of imitation, not a life of sin or judgement. I want to live a life of holiness where:

  • I extend the unconditional love of the Father God to His creation. 

  • I walk in joy and peace despite the angst of the world today.

  • I can articulate to others where that joy and peace come from.  

  • I show kindness and patience to those who are on my last nerve.  

  • I live in goodness, gentleness and execute self-control.

  • I am faithful in relationships with others.

The above is a life imitating Christ and when we do this, we can ask others to imitate us.

Paul was frustrated with the Jews.  They wanted to beat people down with judgement and the law, but they were not living a life to be imitated.  He states it quite plainly in Romans 2:29 -”No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

How’s your life of imitation going?

Call to Action

Read the following scriptures this week and reflect on them.

Romans 1:18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.

Romans 2:21 Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself?

Romans 2:24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”

Isaiah 52:4-6 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Long ago my people chose to live in Egypt. Now they are oppressed by Assyria. What is this?” asks the Lord. “Why are my people enslaved again? Those who rule them shout in exultation. My name is blasphemed all day long. But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them.”

Romans 2: 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

Mark 10:42-45 So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Reflections

  1. Do you find yourself judging others?

  2. In what areas of your life are you living a life worthy of imitation?  

  3. In what areas do you need improvement?

  4. What does holiness look like in your life?

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