Skip to main content

Imitate Me

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1


I admit that I have some adrenaline pumping as I write this. Fear is trying to get the better of me and prevent these words from being shared. But this is my heart and I am not one who shrinks back and is destroyed but am one who has confidence in the words of Jesus Christ. It is with that confidence, which is in me through the power of the Holy Spirit, that I write this today.


Imitate me. There, I said it. There’s no turning back now. There is nowhere to hide after saying those words. But isn’t that the very reason that so few people make the proclamation to begin with? Aren’t we scared to be held accountable? Aren’t we hesitant to tell anyone to practice the things they have heard and seen in us?


As I look through Scripture, I don’t see any verses that tell us fear is something that should control us. Fear should not have a stronghold in our lives. And it most assuredly should not keep us from telling others to imitate a lifestyle of practicing godliness!


Look what God says about fear:


for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control.

2 Timothy 1:7


There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

1 John 4:18


If you hesitate to tell others to imitate you, is it because you are afraid of the accountability? If not, then it must be because you are not living the life of knowing Jesus Christ that God has called you to! I cannot think of a third option. (Of course, don’t go up to a spiritual giant and tell him or her to imitate your life...instead seek to learn from their lives!)


Face your fears. Lord knows that I need to take that advice as much as anyone! Stare doubt in the face and don’t flinch. Step into the ring with fear and knock him out. Fear has no place in our lives, friends!


I feel I must conclude by again saying that I am in no means perfect. I cannot claim to be without sin or without struggles in my daily Christian walk. But I can claim that I acknowledge my flaws and am working to overcome them by the power of Jesus Christ. That is why the Apostle Paul or anyone else could ever say “imitate me.” They lived a life void of fear in relentless pursuit of Jesus Christ.


It is with a heart and mind set on giving my all to that pursuit that I say to you who will hear:


Imitate me as I imitate Christ.


To God be the glory!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

First Seminary Assignment

The assignment was to read an article by Mark Driscoll and discuss my view of creation. Here's what I came up with. To find the Driscoll article, go to http://theresurgence.com/2006/07/03/answers-to-common-questions-about-creation In his article entitled “Answers to Common Questions about Creation,” Pastor Mark Driscoll states that the reason it is necessary to have an educated and Biblical opinion about creation is because “the question of origins has implications for everything else.” In my personal study, I have found this to be an accurate statement, and I believe creationism to be an important doctrine for my Christian life. This essay will attempt to offer a Biblical perspective on creation as written in Genesis 1-3 while using Pastor Driscoll’s article and other sources to explain where Biblical creationism and science compliment each other and where the two must agree to remain at odds. The viewpoint of creation that I hold to is the historic creationism perspect...
2 comments
Read more

What is Hope?

My friend Mike asked me last night why the Bible used the word “hope” so often. We were specifically looking at Colossians 1:27 which reads To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. As I’ve considered it for a good part of today, a question has continued to nag me. Why does my understanding of the word hope involve wishful thinking or crossing my fingers “hoping” that something will happen? Isn’t that how the word hope has come to be used in conversation? “I hope that it doesn’t rain today” or “I hope my friend doesn’t get mad at me for that.” I believe this is grounds for concern because the true definition of hope and especially how it is used in Scripture does not have the slightest hint of wishful thinking. The hope that God speaks of throughout Scripture is more than an expectation. It is a guarantee of what is to come! There is no doubt about it. When our hope is ...
2 comments
Read more

Underway

I am headed out with the U.S.S. Blueridge tomorrow for some sea time. I am not sure if I will have access to blogspot or not while I'm underway. I just didn't want anyone to think that I dropped off the face of the earth! Please pray that my time underway is fruitful. Pray that I have meaningful conversations with the other sailors onboard and that I represent Christ well amidst the business. Also, please pray that I find time to spend in the Word daily regardless of how I have to make it happen. God bless you! Matt
2 comments
Read more