The employees were standing around talking one day and making fun of their supervisor. One of them especially was imitating his mannerisms and speech. What he did not know was that his supervisor was standing behind him, listening to his words.

Have you ever done this? Have you ever imitated another person? If we’re honest, most of us would have to say that we have. The person we were imitating may not have known we were doing this, but when he/she was not around, we did.

The Apostle Paul was one who did this. Are you surprised? I Cor. 11:1 states, "Be imitators of me, just as I am of Christ" (NASB). Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to imitate his actions. Why? Because he was imitating Jesus Christ. When Paul imitated Christ, it was not in a negative or derogatory way as some do today.

The church at Thessalonica was one who imitated Paul and his companions, and by so doing, became an example to those living in Macedonia and Achaia (I Thess. 1:6,7). What a powerful statement that is.

Who do you imitate? Who do you follow? What kind of an example do you set for others? There are people today who have chosen to follow, imitate, the lifestyle of those who do not seek God. Children have role models they like to imitate. A while back Brittney Spears was an icon that girls looked up to. She had quite a following. Then some bad choices were made and some stopped trying to be like her.

Paul stated that he was imitating Christ. He followed Christ down a path that today many have ignored. Paul could look at the attributes that Jesus had and make those his own. Jesus was loving, compassionate and forgiving, to name a few of his attributes. He was always seeking others to leave their life of sin and come follow Him. Some did. Most chose to ignore Him. Look carefully at your life and see who you are following. Is it someone who is not seeking spiritual values? If so I encourage you to imitate Christ. I encourage you to follow after the righteous lifestyle and leave the sinful one behind. Imitate Christ. Follow Christ all the way to a heavenly home He has prepared for a prepared people.