An imitator is: a person who copies the actions of someone else that they think is good. So, you’re a boy student at school and you imitate the walk of the “cool” guy. You’re a girl student and you imitate the way the most popular girl throws her hair back. No, that’s not good because it involves envy “LET US NOT BECOME CONCEITED, provoking one another, ENVYING ONE ANOTHER.” (Gal. 5:26) How do we overcome envy? We have to begin by acknowledging it. It is natural for us to insist that we are not envious. But if the desire of our heart is to truly become FREE FROM ALL SIN, then we need to humble ourselves and acknowledge the truth.
It begins with a thought. “That’s not fair.” “Who do they think they are?” “Why don’t I get the recognition? Why is it always they who are blessed?” Simple things like that which cause our soul, also known as our feelings and “reasoning” to REACT AND OVERREACT. Our ego is concerned. We can find ENVY at work, at school, in our marriage and families, and with even with our service for God. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but CHRIST LIVES IN ME; and the life which I now live in the flesh I LIVE BY FAITH in the Son of God, who loved me and GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME.” (Gal. 2:20)
Is it ever OK to imitate someone? “Imitate me, just as I ALSO IMITATE CHRIST.” (1 Corin. 11:1) Remember imitating someone is copying their actions so, “…BE IMITATORS OF GOD as dear children. And WALK IN LOVE, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” (Eph. 5:1-2)
-Bill Stockham