Imitating God
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:1-2
There is a distinction between impersonation and imitation. An impersonator is mimicking the mannerism and voice of their foil. The person who imitates doesn’t necessarily try to sound or act like the person they are imitating. They are trying to pattern something in their life based on what they deem worthy in the other person’s life.
Elvis is the most impersonated person in history. I would assume very few people imitate him. Impersonation takes some talent and practice. Not everyone can do it and very few can do it well. It is a gift. But it doesn’t require a change of character or personal development. Nobody cares what the Elvis impersonator does once he takes off the makeup, the bell-bottom pants, and the white cape.
Imitation is different. Imitation is what an apprentice does. He learns from his mentor. He watches how the master does his work and tries to do it like him. Imitation is what a child does with her mother. She naturally sees the way her mother speaks, and acts, and relates to others, and does likewise. We are to be imitators of God. Like children imitating their parents.
We are to walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. Our love is to be shaped by and guided by His love. Learn how to love by learning how Jesus loved.
