Whether we want to admit it or not, we (sometimes even as adults) immitate the behavior of others in our social circles and we do so (sometimes completely unaware) for many different reasons.
We do it to form bonds with the person.
We do it to learn.
We do it to show the person we care about them. (Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.)
And sometimes we just do it to annoy them...can't be mature all the time!
But more important than WHY we imitate is WHO we imitate.
You have teens girls getting knocked up because they see it celebrated on TV (Can you say "Teen Mom" and "16 and Pregnant")
You have people using profane language because it is so freely used in most of today's entertainment media.
You have young girls wearing provocative clothing because that what all the models wear.
You have more fighting and violence because that what young boys are watching.
Now don't get me wrong, not EVERYTHING that comes out of Hollywood is filth...but MOST of it is.
Hollywood also isn't the only thing we imitate.
We imitate the behavior of friends, coworkers, and family as well.
Do the people you associate with and try to be like better you?
The Bible says multiple times through out the New Testament that we should be imitators of Christ.
"Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children." Ephesians 5:1
"Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5
"For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps." 1 Peter 2:21
So, if the Bible wants us to imitate Christ, then anyone else on earth we imitate should be people who are also trying to imitate Christ.
Paul told us that 1 Corinthians 11:1.
He told the Church at Corinth to "Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ."
Easy enough to understand, right?
Imitate Christ, but if you need someone fleshly to imitate...imitate those who are following Christ.
Forget Hollywood.
The part where is gets hard is when you realize that, like we said, imitating is a natural itstinct of human nature.
People are watching you.
Did you hear me? People are watching YOU. Whether you like it or not.
Are you being someone worth imitating? Or do you simply talk the talk but refuse to walk the walk?
If you children, students, friends, or family members picked up your good habits...how would that make you feel? What if they picked up your bad ones?
To be able to say what Paul said takes a lot of efforts. Looking at your life right now, would you be able to tell the people around you, "Hey yall. Do everything the way I do it because I am doing everything like Christ."
I don't think I could. You may be thinking, but Paul couldn't be doing everything right. And you would be correct in that statement. Even Paul said in Romans that even when he tries to do good he still does bad because of his flesh. You know what the difference is. He TRIES. He doesn't say "I'm a sinner, I'm not perfect. Might as well just do whatever the heck I want." No he says, "I'm not perfect, but I try. I still screw up, but I follow Christ and he leads me. When I mess up I'll make it right. I want to be an example to others in Christ."
Are you imitating people who are worht imitating?
Are you being someone worth imitating?
Don't cause others to stumble.
All you have to do is try.
"Man's natural character is to imitate; that of the sensitive man is to resemble as closely as possible the person whom he loves. It is only by imitating the vices of others that I have earned my misfortunes."
Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3
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