When I was growing up there were more than a few singers and actresses that I looked up to. I’m pretty sure there was a while where you could have found me walking outside my house singing old school Maria Carey and Paula Abdul songs. I also would have traded places with Kelly Kapowski in a heartbeat.
Aside from dating myself, my point refers to the saying, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”
We often try to mimic and imitate the people we look up to. Little girls and boys want to be their favorite character and/or superhero. That progresses to singers/actresses. It then moves up to friends and older peers.
As adults we still have people we look up to and attempt to be like. The friend who makes everyone feel good about themselves. The co-worker who always gets their work done. The church lady who knows everyone by name and prays for them diligently. Even the bible character whose story moves you.
Are we good about trying to be Christ-like? Do we seek to imitate Him?
[ctt template=”9″ link=”1b4yK” via=”yes” ]Are we good about trying to be Christ-like? If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, do we seek to imitate Him or someone else? [/ctt]
I’m not saying you can’t have role models but who’s your biggest role model?
I will be the first to say mine has not always been Jesus. There have been times when I have allowed people, jobs, hobbies, etc. to get in the way of my relationship with Him.
Striving to be Christ-like requires purposeful and intentional thinking and behaving. It is an active way of living that takes effort and desire.
I have messed up many times and I will in the future.
But I will work to be better. To know our Savior better through prayer and study of the bible. I want to imitate Jesus as a form of praise, worship and devotion.
I pray that this is your desire as well!
Take the time to read the below bible scriptures and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your own bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God’s words and feel closer to Him.
Romans 8:29-30
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
2 Corinthians 3:18
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Colossians 3:9-10
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Ephesians 4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
1 John 2:6
Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
John 13:12-15
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
1 Peter 2:20-21
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
John 15:9-11
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
I pray that this post meets you where you are today and helps to guide you to strive to be more Christ-like in all aspects of your life.
God bless!
Melissa
Love these verses and the accountability they offer. Thanks for reminding us our purpose of reflecting Christ progressively 👍
Thank you Gretchen! I know I need all the reminders I can get to ensure my eyes and my heart are on Christ and not allowing myself to get distracted by other things. Thank you for reading and commenting! God bless!
Yes! This post truly epitomizes what it means to be a “living epistle” . Great words
Thank you so much for your kind words and for stopping by! God bless!
Yes! As a new mom, I’ve been finding out that so many children’s Bibles point kids to the “heroes” and not to Christ. Although there is absolutely so much we can learn from others, Jesus is the one we need to keep our eyes on.
That is one of the reasons why my husband and I graduated our son to a “real” bible recently. It’s an NIV kid’s adventure bible. While we want him to learn the stories we don’t want the focus to get diluted. Thank you for reading and commenting! God bless!
So challenging! I think of people who don’t live in christian community, how hard it must be. I know that I am so grateful to have Godly friends who point me back to Christ when I start to forget this very lesson.
It is challenging. My current therapy position is the first Christian environment I have had the privilege of working in. I worked for six years in a very secular environment and it was incredibly challenging. It’s so important to have Christian relationships (even if just a few) that can help with accountability. Thank you for reading and commenting! God bless!
Predestined to be conformed to the image of the Son. I Know I’ve read, and even studied this verse. But in this context, WOW! It really connects. Thank You!!
I love when that happens! When a verse suddenly clicks and resonates. It can be such a powerful feeling! Thank you for reading and commenting! God bless!
Imitate Christ. There is no better way to show I am His disciple.
So true Debbie! Thank you for stopping by and commenting! God bless!
I fall into the trap that talking about “What would Jesus do” and looking to Him as my role model is out-of-date. How awful of me! This was a good reality check that if I look up to anyone, why would Jesus not be at the top of my list?
It is an easy trap to fall into. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
Great verses! I forget about who I should be imitating! I often look at celebrities and others around me, but Jesus should be the greatest role model!
It can become easy to do if we are not intentional. Thank you for reading and commenting! God bless!
Forget mentors. I have a hard time finding peers! My counselor told me that if we continue on a trajectory of growth, then our peers dwindle. Friends yes. Peers and mentors become scarce. But I think this in the end keeps our eyes focused on the wonderful counselor.
I have struggled with this too. I thank God daily for my husband for this very reason. But I agree, with less peers we are able to be more focused on God! I always love your insights, Alice!
“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
We must look only to Jesus.
So true Susan! Thank you for the verse! God bless!
Melissa, I truly want to be an imitator of Jesus. He was tempted in every way yet He never sinned. He loved freely. I want to be more like Him.
Me too, Amy! Thankfully we know that the more time we seek Him, and spend time in prayer, in the bible, and in worship, the easier temptations are to resist. Thank you for stopping by and commenting! God bless!
You gave us so many lovely and challenging verses to savor today. Thank you!
I’m so glad you found the post beneficial. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. God bless!