Imitation VS Participation
Would you be confused if I said don’t be like Jesus? I don’t believe the bible teaches us to imitate the life of Jesus. To experience the fullness of the Christ-life we are called to participation not imitation. There is a school of thought that says in order to be a good Christian we should parade around meeting everyone’s needs like a crusade of do gooders. I do strongly believe the philosophy that church exists to meet the needs of others and not itself. I believe deeply in outreach, community transformation and serving your city. There is however, a very important question to ask: What is the source of our serving? Consider the scenario in Matthew 7 and notice the different forms of ministry detailed throughout.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name (preaching and teaching), and in your name drive out demons (Community transformation and outreach) and perform many miracles (ministry gifts to build up the church)?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23 parentheses mine
It is possible to imitate Jesus and not participate in His life. I think the confusion with imitation is fueled when we misinterpret verses like Ephesians 5:1which says, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children”. That word imitate comes from the Greek word Mimitetes and means to be an example. There’s a difference between being an example and being an imitation.
The source of imitation is human strength and self-will, the source of participation is Christ’s strength and Gods will. Imitation results in burn out and can kill you while participation fuels passion and fulfills you. One is law the other is grace.
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. -2Peter 1:4
The Christian life is not about mimicking the actions of the historical Jesus. The Christian life is Jesus. He makes His residence in us and lives His life through us. If you want to be a good Christian just rest in Him and allow Christ to live His life through you. Learn to let go, learn to yield your life everyday over to Him. This is not a passive life of laziness but a passionate life yeildedness. Move past mere imitation and learn the secret of participation.
Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. –Romans 6:13
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