The Burden of Being an Imitator
written by: Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
These words from the Apostle Paul seem arrogant at first blush. I would never say from the pulpit or anywhere else, "Guys, be imitators of me!" My sins and shortcomings are ever before me. I cannot imitate Christ because I am so far from being perfect. My limitations do not mean I am a wicked person per se; it just means that God called fallible me to ministry. Thankfully, being a pastor does not require perfection.
For the Apostle Paul to take on the burden of imitation must have been a burdensome, sacrificial gift. He invited everyone who knew him to evaluate his every action. He was morally, spiritually, and emotionally naked to the world. I doubt many of us would be willing or able to live up to that level of exposure. Paul sacrificed his privacy and, even worse, his freedom to guide new converts to the faith in the way of righteousness.
The closest sacrifice that any of us make to that of the Apostle Paul is to be imitators for our children. Parenthood is a humbling experience. I loved raising our daughter Hannah, but there are any number of times I would have appreciated a "do-over." My greatest sin has been that of impatience. Yet, part of being imitators for our children is teaching them that they do not need to be perfect. They can be forgiven and forgive themselves when they believe God gives "do-overs." Sometimes, the best way to be a faithful imitator is to be honest and humble enough to imitate your fallibility. Imperfection does not exempt you from being a faith imitator. Even our mistakes can be healthy, teachable moments.
Today, think about the people in your life who look to you for an example of faith. How can you imitate Christ for them? Don't try to be perfect; that would be a false example. Instead, try to be humble, loving, and honest. In doing so, the Spirit of the living God will shine through you. Trust God to use you as a mirror to the divine. It will require sacrifice and honest commitment, but you can be a faithful imitator of our Christ. God bless us all as we try our best.
