Elvis
At any given moment, somewhere in this great country there is most likely somebody impersonating Elvis. Being Elvis is a huge business. You can be old Elvis, young Elvis, fat Elvis. The fact that you can make a living pretending to be someone else is pretty amazing.
Of course, we all imitate others at times. Sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously. Sometimes for the good, sometimes not. We pick up mannerisms, figures of speech, ways of dressing and doing our hair. And we are influenced to make much more important decisions as well.
I have been influenced for the good by my parents, Tim's parents, my brother and sister, aunts and uncles, good friends, and even my children. But to be honest, I have also been influenced by celebrities and television and the media. You can see all of them in how I choose to live my life. Each day I put on their influence as surely as I put on my clothes and makeup. Sometimes for the good, sometimes not.
I influence others as well. And sometimes that is for the good, sometimes not.
What will others look like if they imitate me? Will they be more faithful? If people imitate me will they be imitating Jesus?
The Thessalonians chose to imitate not only Paul but Jesus as well. And their lives spoke a message that has lasted for thousands of years.
"You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia." 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
Of course, we all imitate others at times. Sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously. Sometimes for the good, sometimes not. We pick up mannerisms, figures of speech, ways of dressing and doing our hair. And we are influenced to make much more important decisions as well.
I have been influenced for the good by my parents, Tim's parents, my brother and sister, aunts and uncles, good friends, and even my children. But to be honest, I have also been influenced by celebrities and television and the media. You can see all of them in how I choose to live my life. Each day I put on their influence as surely as I put on my clothes and makeup. Sometimes for the good, sometimes not.
I influence others as well. And sometimes that is for the good, sometimes not.
What will others look like if they imitate me? Will they be more faithful? If people imitate me will they be imitating Jesus?
The Thessalonians chose to imitate not only Paul but Jesus as well. And their lives spoke a message that has lasted for thousands of years.
"You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia." 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
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