Imitation

Some folks have an uncanny knack for imitating others. I mean, they can act like, sound like, maybe even look like the person they are impersonating. There have been many that have made a little money imitating Elvis.

The flip side of imitation is that it is not real. While it may appear to be the real thing, the fact is that it is an imitation. Imitation vanilla flavoring comes to mind. While it may read "Imitation Vanilla" on the bottle, it is NOTHING like pure vanilla flavoring; it's not even a good knock off. If we are going to imitate someone or something, we need to be sure it is beneficial.

Today's word comes from 3 John 1:11, NIV, which reads, "Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from GOD. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen GOD."

We need to imitate what is good. There are "copy catters" out there they imitate all the wrong things. This verse tells us that if they are imitating evil, they do not know GOD. It is when we imitate the good things: faith, love, hope, joy, kindness, patience, etc. that others see the hand of GOD.

So, Who have you been imitating? I have to admit that I don't always imitate the good, but I do try. And, when I do wrong, I am convicted, I repent, I ask forgiveness, then, I try to do better. Imitating Elvis might make you a little money. Imitating GOD will give you so much more.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T