Mini-Me
“The sincerest form of flattery is imitation!” This observation is widely credited to Oscar Wilde, the popular 19th century poet and playwright. However, there are similar but sarcastic statements that date a hundred years earlier such as: “Imitation is kind of artless flattery” or “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” I prefer the Wilde expression over the other two for sure!
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| My Mini-Me! |
I have known for a long time that children watch adults
in their lives and often mimic their behavior. I did this when I was a child! I
wanted to wear a ball cap, have a toothpick in my mouth and cover my hands with
inexpensive brown Jersey gloves like my dad. I was surprised recently during a
family visit to see that my six-year-old granddaughter, Klaire, was imitating
me.
When I am in a “crowd situation” at family gatherings I
like to mark my glass when there are so many drinking glasses it is nearly
impossible to keep track of who’s glass belongs to whom. Now, I don’t mind sharing
some things, but I still prefer drinking from my own cup! So, I like to take a piece
of masking tape and designate my glass with my initials. My grown kids could
argue that since each of us have the same MJK initials, that my glass is theirs
for the choosing!
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| We sing, "I like to go to church!" |
It was on a Galilean lakeside one day that Jesus
called some fishermen to be with Him and join in a global mission to save the
world. He invited these first disciples to drop their nets and simply, “Follow
me! I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish.” (Matthew 4:19, CEV).
It was a transformational invitation to mimic Jesus. The early followers were called to be, talk, walk, and act
like Jesus. This has not changed! We too, are called to be like Him today!
Later, there would be unbelievers in Antioch of Syria
who would label them in derision, “Christians or little Christs!” (Acts 11:26). This
designation may have been used disparagingly at first, but in time this became
an honored moniker for everyone who put their trust in Jesus and followed Him
as Lord and Savior.
We need more “little Christs” mobilized and mimicking the
Lord today! The world needs to see Christ and His approachableness, love, kindness,
and boldness in and through us. Many of those in need of Christ long to experience
the transformation that only He can bring. They need hope, meaning, and purpose
in their lives.
If someone says, you’re just acting like one of those
Christian churchgoers! Gently respond, “Thank you! I hope so. I do want to be like
Jesus!” Let’s live the life Christ calls us to live and ask every day, “What
would Jesus do or say? How would He react?”
Blessings to all who aspire to be “little Christs!”
Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
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We definitely need more Christian’s, follow Jesus
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