Devotion - Monday, March 31

I was visiting with a family on Saturday afternoon.  As is typical, the two-year old disappeared shortly after my arrival, then returned with a book.  He positioned himself in such a way as to make it clear that he expected me to lift him into my lap and read the book to him.  This gave rise to my being told the story of events earlier in the day when his father was sitting in his chair reading a book.  The son crawled into the chair close by and opened a book of his own.

It isn't only two year olds who imitate others.  We all do, to a certain degree.  Sometimes it is without realizing it.  We ought to step back and be sure that we are imitating appropriate models for the life that we would choose to live.

In I Corinthians 11.1, Paul says "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."  Thomas a'Kempis has written a book The Imitation of Christ.  Being aware of who we mimic and intentionally choosing the habits we will imitate is an important step in our spiritual journey.

I would also point out that we often become the model for another's imitation.  Give thought to that as well.  You may not yet have the eyes of a two year old child watching you, but you do have eyes looking to you.  If you are the one being imitated, would the imitation reflect the things you profess to be of utmost importance?