Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/88

Contributor - Nellie S. From

Title - Imitation or Imitators?

Topic - Discipleship

I was sitting at coffee break yesterday and several of my hospital co-workers were voicing their frustrations. "Oh," quipped one, "all you people need to do to ease your frustration is learn one word - THE word - and then use it."

"What's that?" asked another.

"Well, it begins with' f' and my mother was shocked when I first taught her to use it!" she replied.

"What a week at work," I heard one woman moan. "I'm going home tonight to curl up on the couch with a bottle, and get drunk. Maybe I'll forget about everything for awhile."

Arriving at the lunch table, I noticed my co-workers were involved in an animated discussion. Listening, I heard them talking about arranging for a group to go to a dinner theatre featuring female impersonators. "When are you going?" I finally asked out of curiosity.

"Why, Nellie, did you want to go with us?" asked one incredulously. "We never asked you because we thought you wouldn't go to that sort of thing."

"The gang at work decided that the Christmas party would be on November 24th at a local restaurant," said my husband. "After dinner they want everyone to go to a live comedy show. Remember, we were there last spring." Yes, I thought, and I won't be there this winter!

As Christians we are called to be different from the world, to be imitators of God. Everything we do or say can and should be measured against the words and actions of Christ. His life and His Book are to be our measuring rod and guide for our lives, and the Holy Spirit to be our power for a victorious life.

Is this really true of your life - my life? My greatest frustration, has been seeing people both in and out of the Reformed Church, male and female, pastor and church member alike, pay little more than lip service to Christ and the principles taught in Scripture. Oh, many sound eloquent enough, but like a wolf in sheep's clothing, the words are just a cover up. For too many, Christianity is just a lot of verbal gymnastics covering a life of hypocrisy.

I wonder what Christ would say to those who gossip and backstab others without a second thought? I wonder what Christ would say of the recent decision by the United Church to allow ordination of homosexuals to HIS ministry? I wonder what Christ would say to those who care more about themselves than ministering His love to those around them? Would He call us "whitewashed tombs" (Matt. 23:27), like He did the Pharisees, or can He look at every aspect, every corner, of your life and my life and say "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matt. 25:23).

We on occasion have had to sit and take an in-depth look at our lives. Are we imitation Christians or imitators of Christ? Di we acknowledge His power, His love and deal with people the way He would deal with them? The answer is no - not always. We need to become more Christ-like. It is not easy and there are many frustrations, set backs and delusions. Through it all we have to learn to focus on Jesus and His example to us, and by His grace we will be victorious as we learn to acknowledge Him in all things.

During this time of Advent why not do an inventory of your life. If you are an "imitation" begin to become an "imitator"!

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