Throughout my years of being a follower of Christ I’ve met many different kinds of believers. Only a handful stick out in my mind as women I have wanted to imitate. Women who have walked so close with the Lord that I see Christ in the forefront of every one of their decisions. I have pursued these women in the hopes of having a mentor. Some responded, others did not, but that did not dampen the desire to imitate their devotion to Him.
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
{Philippians 3:17-21 ESV}
Do you know someone whom you would like to imitate? Someone who has a heart that longs for the Lord? Stalk them. Ask questions. When do they spend time with the Lord? Where did they begin? What books or semons have encouraged them in their walk? However, walk the fine line. You’re not trying to imitate the way they look or how they keep house. Or even how they speak. Your imitation should be solely based on their walk. How they have overcome temptations of the world. Otherwise we deceive ourselves into thinking that our own works will draw us closer to Him. It doesn’t matter how ugly or beautiful you are on the outside. It doesn’t matter how much or how little you own. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are. All you need is yourself to present before the Lord and a desire to know Him more.
In that respect I want to warn you. Once you begin imitating your mentor be careful where your thoughts and actions go. You may begin to think of yourself as ‘holier than thou’. I have walked that road. I thought I had grown so knowledgable in His word that my mind was closing. I’m sure I came across to young believers as very intimidating. In fact, I remember a friend saying “I wish I had the courage you do, but…”. Oh, that was so humbling. She was so intimidated that she gave up before even trying. There was an opportunity to mentor and I lost it. My glory was my shame.
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
{Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV}
Sisters, this week I want to encourage you to seek out that mentor. Is she somebody at your church? A relative? A neighbor? A blogger? Find her. Talk to her. And recognize that she is. not. perfect. There is a 100% chance she will disappoint you at some point. Let her have faults. Have an abundant amount of grace for her. But continue to admire and imitate her walk while learning from her mistakes.
Blessings!
