Imitation, the Highest Compliment

by: Chic Broersma

As my son was rototilling his garden in preparation for planting, I noticed his young son following carefully in his footsteps. With each step my son took, my grandson took a step. When my son stopped, my grandson stopped. When he moved forward, so did his little boy, carefully placing his feet in the indented steps his father had made in the deep, loamy soil. It was a humorous yet touching sight.

But there’s nothing funny about trying to imitate the apostle Paul. Who could ever hope to match his undying commitment and selfless life? Take it a step farther. How about imitating Christ as Paul reports he did? More scary yet. Trusting Christ as my Savior? Sure. Obeying him? I try. But imitate Christ? Since we’re called by Christ’s name, do we have a choice to do less? The devout Mahatma Gandhi admired Christ from afar but never became a Christian. He said he would have taken that step if he had met Christians who were more like Jesus. Ouch!

I once asked a Christian university professor how he tried to witness to his colleagues and staff. He simply said, “I try to always be the one person they can count on.” Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me” (John 4:34). Upon the cross, he cried, “It is finished.” Our heavenly Father’s trust in Jesus’ mission was rewarded. Can others count on you to be as good as your word?