This morning I did a word study from Ephesians 5:1 on the subject of being an imitator. The English definition of the word imitator means "to copy exactly." The derivative of the Greek word is "to mime."
There is a huge difference between the word "imitator" and "imitation." An imitation is often not an exact copy, but a "cheap representation." We can purchase "imitation leather" Bibles. Bakers will sometimes substitute "imitation vanilla" for the real deal as real vanilla is quite costly. Some of us tightwads will purchase imitation fragrances for ourselves and our significant other. While they have a similar "smell" they are cheap imitations.
Paul isn't asking us to be cheap imitations -- he wants us to be the real deal. Charles Spurgeon says that "we are to be like Christ at all times, imitating Him in public. Most of us live in some sort of publicity, many of us are called to work before our fellow men every day. We are watched; our words are caught; our lives are examined -- taken to pieces. The eagle-eyes, argue-eyed world observes everything we do; and sharp critics are upon us. Let us live the life of Christ in public. Let is take care that we exhibit our Master and not ourselves, so that we can say, 'It is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me. Take this into your home as well. Carry your godliness into you family. Let every one say that you have practical religion. Let it be known and read in the house, as well as in the world. Take care of your character there; for what we are there, we really are."
Don't be a "cheap imitation" -- be the real deal -- IMITATE HIM!
No comments:
Post a Comment