“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”

(1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT)

All day, I heard the question: “Whom are you mimicking?”

Spirit week. It’s not my favorite part of the school year, but the students love it, and I try to participate in at least a few of the themes. One entailed me dressing up like one of the students.

Since spirit week falls in the middle of winter—and since I do not enjoy dressing up—I selected a student who wears stuff I like to wear. In this case, a stretch hat that keeps my bald head warm. So, on that particular day, I got to wear a hat all day—something we typically can’t do. And I made this student’s day because he was proud I chose to mimic him.

But I didn’t get the question on just one day. Later in the week, students—or teachers and students—chose to switch and dress like each other. Earlier in the week, another student had suggested that he and I make the switch. Another student who enjoyed dressing sloppily. And another winner for me. He typically wore sleep pants and a hoodie to school. Right up my alley.

Paul was also a mimicker—of Christ. The first part of the verse might sound as if Paul had a problem with pride—imitate me—but he didn’t. He quickly clarifies this by telling us he imitates Christ.

Paul was a little Jesus. He went about doing good for others and introducing them to Christ and what he had done on Calvary’s cross. He traveled all over the known world as God’s Spirit directed him. He loved God with all his heart and others as himself.

Paul did what Jesus wants all his followers to do: mimic him. Reading the Gospels is a good place to start. They detail much of Jesus’s life, telling us what he did and how he responded in various situations. He loved the Father, and he loved others by serving them—a good pattern.

Loving God with all our hearts involves watching our attitudes and thoughts. If we’re not careful, both can wander into forbidden areas. It also entails loving others as ourselves. When we think right, we’ll act right. And when we act right, we’ll benefit, and so will others. The world will be a better place because we are mimicking Jesus.

We can always find many people to mimic—some good and some not so good. But we can’t find a better hero than Jesus. Mimic him. You’ll never go wrong, and others will benefit.

Prayer: Father, help me always to mimic you in my thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Martin Wiles