1 Corinthians 10:31- 11:1
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Several years ago we experienced a Christian marketing phenomenon called, ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ That statement, and associated paraphernalia touched a nerve in Christendom. It caused us to stop and consider what we thought Jesus might be thinking when he did what he did, while on earth. And in doing so, it gave us pause in acting in ways that we considered, un-Christlike. Needless to say, the campaign was a major success.
Without taking anything away from its success and effectiveness, I dare say, over the years we may have overreached in our assessments concerning the motives, actions, deeds and rationale of Jesus Christ. You see, in order for us to determine what Jesus may do in a given situation, necessitates we totally understand his thinking. I can’t decide what Jesus might have done unless I completely comprehend his mode of operation. Now, if I can definitely declare I know exactly what he’s thinking, then I can assuredly tell you what he would do. But if I don’t, or can’t explain the depths of his love, the heights of his mercy, or the boarders his grace, then I will fall woefully short in determining for you his actions in your situation.
I can’t tell you why Jesus didn’t condemn the woman caught in the act of adultery. I can’t explain why, (knowing he would deny him three times) he selected Peter to lead the Church. After already having 11 wonderful disciples and thousands of followers, can someone explain why he called a terrorist named Paul to evangelize the world? I have no idea why he wept over Lazarus, only to raise him from the dead moments later. I can go on and on about the things I don’t understand about Jesus; so how could I possibly be an expert on what he would currently do in any given situation. But, you know what I can definitely tell you? I can tell you what Jesus did!
Our text today invites us to imitate Christ. But what does that really mean? Let’s consider imitating anyone. There’s no need for me to understand why you do what you do to imitate you. I only need to redo what you did. So, if you talk a certain way, I needn’t worry where your accent came from. All I’m charged to do is imitate it. The same is true of your walk, your demeanor, character, style and passion. The key to imitation is alleviating your influence in the presentation. The more we become enamored with the protagonist and central character of our faith, the more we become like him. And we only become like him as we practice imitating him.
But the challenge this morning is not to imitate who we think he is; or do what we think he’d do. The challenge is to literally imitate him until our words, actions and deeds become indistinguishable from his.
Dearest Children of God, here’s one last scripture to help clarify my position. Jesus said this concerning us. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. There’s no qualifying criteria, conditions, religious rites, or membership requirements. Jesus only ask that we do to others as he did for us. That’s what Jesus did! Thats what we are charged with doing.! That’s how imitation works!
God bless
