Imitation Is NOT the Sincerest Form of Flattery

We've heard (and maybe spoken) often the phrase, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." And, while that may be true in our human way of thinking, that does not apply to the things of God.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned in my ministry work has been that imitation is a hinderence. It is also very difficult to get away from imitation.

As we grow and mature, we look to and imitate the behaviors and patterns of the things we like and want to be like. If you're learning how to hit a baseball, you learn by imitating the basics you are taught. If you are learning leadership, you study and mimic the leaders you want to be like.

In ministry, however, imitation can tear you down rather than lift you up. Sure, there are certain aspects that we copy, but those are only what come from the Bible. It's part of becoming more like Christ. He taught us how we ought to live.

But, as we mature in our walk with Jesus, the imitation has a break down of sorts. In times of God's silence, we too often resort to mimicing the successful things that we see others doing.

I'll give you some examples. I think most of us desire for God to send a revival among the churches and awakening of the people. And, often we look back at past moves of God, and try to copy the things that worked in order to prompt God to move today. It's all well intentioned, but if we learn anything from the Bible, we should know that our efforts, as noble as they may be, probably won't work very well.

For proof, I point you to the way God interacted with His people in the Old Testament. Every move of God was a one-and-done approach. The Great Flood happened one time. The Ten Plagues - one time. The march around Jericho - once. Pick your judge - each approach was unique. Small boy whipping a giant - legendary event.

How about New Testament examples. Well, virgin birth; the death, burial and resurrection of a sinless man; Pentecost.

I hope you are getting the idea that I am pushing. God never runs out of unique ways to move in the lives of individuals. Yet, so often, we rely on the crutch of imitation to do ministry. We shape our churches after highly successful ministries. We style our preaching and teaching after famous pastors. In short, we incorporate the world's methods of success into what is supposed to be unique, then wonder why it doesn't always work.

God has a unique plan for you, your ministry or church. Let the Almighty shape that plan, and don't shortcut it by inserting your imitated, second-best.