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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!

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