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Be Imitators of God

Be Imitators of God

“You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with joy given by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

As I walked into the white block building, I could feel the butterflies churning my stomach. I swallowed hard and entered a room to find a young, pale, skinny 15-year-old boy with a shaved head. I was there to visit this young delinquent at the request of the preaching minister. Going to a juvenile prison was a new and not so welcomed experience for me. During this visit the boy seemed cold and distant. I could feel his eyes weighing my intensions.

Once a week for almost two years, I spent an hour with this boy. We talked about God, his family, life in prison, and his friends. I brought him pictures of his friends. I played basketball with him. We read the Bible and prayed together. We shared stories about music and movies. This young man changed. I changed. He became a friend. What began with reluctance and reservation became a weekly highlight for both of us.

This has reminded me that spirituality is more “caught than taught.” Spiritual formation takes place within relationships more often than in a classroom or an auditorium. That’s why parents are supposed to pass on the faith to their children. That’s why Jesus called apprentices to follow Him for three years. That’s why Paul asked Timothy to go on a missionary trip with him.

When I look back on my own life, I can see those who mentored me. My youth minister passed on a passion for God and a desire to be a minister. My mom transferred her unselfishness and hospitality to me. I was formed more by example than by ritual. Spiritual formation happened in the daily routines of life—eating together and playing.

So be a mentor to someone who needs a push in the right direction. Interact with teens through your church’s youth ministry. Coach a kids ‘sports team. Make a difference. Leave an impact. Encourage others to imitate Jesus.

Dig Deeper:

1 Timothy 6:11-21

1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for placing people in my life to look up to. Give me the opportunity to pour into someone and walk with them through the daily routines of life.


RELEVANT’s “Deeper Walk” daily devotionals are presented by the LUMO Project, a visual translation of the four Gospels developed to engage people with scripture in a new way. You can watch the videos—which redefine the standard of visual biblical media—on YouTube, and find out more about LUMO’s mission at their website.

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