Imitation is the Highest Form of Flattery

Have you ever noticed the role that imitation plays in our lives? Children have sports heroes that they imitate by dressing like them, walking like them, shooting free-throws like them and even knocking the clay from their cleats like them. Some people have music idols that they imitate through dress, dance steps and by singing their songs. Impressionists have become rich by imitating popular singers and celebrities. Corporations have boosted earnings by imitating one another through advertising campaigns and logo spoofs. Imitation is part of everyday life!

Imitation is not limited to individuals, impressionists and corporate America. Imitation is also found in the Christian realm. Perfectly healthy preacher boys used to clear their throats, hack and cough like the famous preacher, Jack Hyles. Today, you’ll find preachers imitating Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Andy Stanley, and Ed Young, Jr. The truth is, we imitate those we want to be like!

Churches also imitate one another. Find a successful church and you'll find other churches imitating their service times, programming, musical styles, outreach events, advertising campaigns, and even hiring pastors of similar age. Some people are offended by imitation; but “Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.” When someone wants to be like you, they are paying you a great compliment. People want to be part of what is successful and for those who are not gifted with creativity; it is easy to follow and simply copy ideas from others. When someone replicates your idea or imitates your ministry, it extends your sphere of influence!

Imitation is also seen in families. Watch the little boy who walks behind his daddy and tries to put his feet in his father’s footprints. Watch the little girl who gets into her mother’s makeup drawer, then puts on her mommy’s shoes. Children imitate their parents because they want to be like them. Imitation is the highest form of flattery!

One of my favorite songs is “I Want To Be Just Like You” by the group Phillips, Craig and Dean. It’s a song about a father who realizes that his son is imitating his every step and the father wants to give him a godly example to follow. The dad realizes that as his son imitates him, he must imitate Christ. The chorus reads as follows, “Lord, I want to be just like You, because he wants to be just like me. I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see. Help me be a living Bible Lord, that my little boy can read. I want to be just like You, because he wants to be like me.” The song presents a great challenge to every parent. Our children desire to imitate us, so we must live in a manner that imitates God.

Imitating God was exactly what the early disciples desired to do. Their actions resulted in them being called Christians for the very first time in Antioch. The term was meant in a derogatory sense, accusing them of imitating Christ and wanting to be like Him. The disciples desired so much to be like Christ, that people began to refer to them as “little Christ’s.” Has anyone ever accused you of trying to be like Christ and imitating Him by your actions? Does your life reflect Christ-likeness?

As you watch people imitate sports heroes, celebrities and personal idols; be reminded that God wants believers to imitate His Son. This is clearly seen in Rom 8:29 (NAS), “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…” If imitation is the greatest form of flattery, just imagine how God feels when we imitate His Son!