THOSE WHO IMITATE GODLY PATTERNS

It is common knowledge that benchmarking and seeking out proven best practices is an easy way to hedge against risks and increase one's chances of success in any venture.

Throughout the New Testament, the writers encourage us to imitate, copy, and follow proven leaders. Those who imitate God's patterns from tested leaders gain cheap faith victories and shorten the learning curve. The life of faith is not a solitary journey but a shared one, where we can draw strength and inspiration from each other.

' In order that you may not grow disinterested and become [spiritual] sluggards, but imitators, behaving as do those who through faith (by their leaning of the entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are [now] inheriting the promises.' - Hebrews 6:12 (AMPC)

Christianity is an established way of life that guarantees fulfilment on this side of eternity. It has been around for so long that there are enough modern-day examples: individuals who keep getting most of the promises God made to them, making perfect role models of faith.

The Bible continually encourages us to imitate (don't re-invent the wheel if unnecessary) those who have successfully followed God's pattern. Make a sport of searching out faith role models, learning from them, and imitating them just as they imitated those before them who imitated Christ.

' THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].' - Ephesians 5:1

As the Bible points out, Jesus' 33 years in a human body were so he could prototype how a new creation life would run and the expected results and difficulties.

' You call Me the Teacher (Master) and the Lord, and you are right in doing so, for that is what I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher (Master), have washed your feet, you ought [it is your duty, you are under obligation, you owe it] to wash one another's feet. For I have given you this as an example, so that you should do [in your turn] what I have done to you.' - John 13:13-15

Apostle Paul constantly urges the people to imitate him.

So I urge and implore you, be imitators of me. - 1 Corinthians 4:16 (AMPC)

PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah). - 1 Corinthians 11:1

As we progress in faith, we are encouraged to grow into role models, giving younger ones something to aspire to while we imitate those ahead of us. That is the faith production system set up by God. It is a " Follow me as I follow Christ" way of life.

Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation). -1Peter 5:3 (AMPC)

Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 (AMPC)

Don't do too much. Just find those with the faith outcomes you desire. Follow them, whether from afar or nearby, and then copy, copy, and copy all their discernable patterns.

#Selah