1 Thessalonians 1.6 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. – St. Paul
Imitation is as old as mankind – somebody always trying
to be like somebody else. There is imitation in a good way, and imitation in
less than noble ways as well. When Michael Jordan was in his prime with the
Chicago Bulls, a whole advertising campaign revolved around the slogan: Be Like Mike…
When our son was in Basic Military Training for the US
Air Force, each Sunday was called Cheesus
Day because the recruits were allowed to go to the worship service of their
choice, and afterwards were served grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. ‘Cheesus’ had
to do with grilled cheese, and Jesus.
The three hours of Cheesus was a welcome relief from the TI’s demands and
yelling. However, many chose Cheesus only
as a way to escape the rigors of the training regimen awaiting them for the new
week: I can choose what I’m not, to
escape what I am…
Paul commended the Thessalonian Church for their
imitation of him and his devotion to Christ – someone had to lead the way. And imitation now, is like it was
then: follow the leader. Some do it with sincerity, and some with less than
committed hearts.
Imitation however, is important because God told His people: Be holy as I am holy. In other words,
imitate Me! I think Paul wanted the Thessalonians to be devoted as he was
devoted. I think he said: be like me.
It is one thing to imitate, it is another to ask others
to imitate you. Someone has to set the example. Someone has to lead. Imitation
is doing what another does and thinking the way they think. It’s speaking the
way they speak, and living the way they live. And imitation can lead to joy.
Paul was not offering was clear skies and sunny days
with warm breezes and nary a ripple on the pond. Paul said they imitated him, in the midst of severe suffering. Well,
what kind of a deal is that!? You want me to be a believer, and all you’re
offering me is a life of trouble and persecution – no thanks! Paul, however,
pointed out the payoff: joy!
It’s one thing just to suffer and another to suffer for
the right reason. The right reason for suffering in life can be a source of joy,
and that is what is offered: joy. Joy is knowing what I am doing is
being done for the right reason, and that what I am doing, no matter how it
feels, pleases God. The life of a believer often can, and will be, less than
comfortable, but the payoff is joy: knowing
what I am doing is for a purpose, and pleases the Almighty.
Jesus, for the joy set before Him, endured the shame and
humiliation of the cross. If He did it, can we? It’s what’s expected of us – a holy
imitation of a holy Lord Who beckons us to join Him in redeeming the world.
Wow!
Father, today Your
word stands: be holy as I am holy. It’s the calling upon my life and Lord, I want
to imitate You. Help me to bless and encourage others in their imitation of You.
Father, for the joy set before us, we endure knowing what we do is not in vain,
but useful to help us in our pursuit of You – amen
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