“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. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1st Thessalonians 1:6-7)
The tough things that you go through are often made easier by observing someone else who has handled such a situation very well. It causes us to think, “If they can do it, I can do it.”
The new converts in the city of Thessalonica must have liked how the Apostle Paul handled life. He was passionate about what he was doing, and seemed to have an extra portion of emotional, physical, and spiritual energy. To observe such a person is very inspiring. “Whatever potion he is taking, I want some!” Of course, that potion was the love of God so deeply infused into Paul’s being that he was confident in who he was and what he wanted to do for the Lord.
When Paul commended those folks for imitating him, it wasn’t a selfish moment of bragging, he was rather explaining the principle of how God passes on his gifts of love, joy, peace, and hope. And the result of imitating someone who demonstrates those fruits is that you begin to bear fruit yourself.
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. (2nd Thessalonians 3:7-9)
Apparently, it was working because Paul said to them, “You have become a model …” It is both thrilling and humbling to think that someone would look at your life and be inspired, and to want what you have. Not the wanting of material things, but of the zest, determination, and blessed “state of being” that defines who you are, or rather who you have become.
Imitation in the manufacturing world often refers to things that are fake or cheap, not the real thing. But in the human world, imitation is a large part of how we learn. Imitation has been called a form of flattery, but its higher purpose in the spiritual realm is to be the Gospel model by which we learn to live, to be our best selves, and pass that on to others.
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)
Whom do you desire to imitate? Maybe a pastor, teacher, coach, classmate, co-worker, church member, parent, or grandparent.
And are there people who are inspired at what they see in you, and want to imitate you? I hope so.
Blessed to be a blessing,
Chaplain Mark
Thanks for the daily word. You life up my day.