The Uniqueness and Universality of Christian Imitation

 The Uniqueness and Universality of Christian Imitation


After writing a daily devotion, I became intrigued by this subject of Christian imitation.  The text I had referenced, Philippians 3:17, says this, "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us," (ESV).  This is not, of course, the only place where the Apostle Paul wrote something like this; as I would also reference for you Php. 4:9, and 1 Cor. 4:16.

 

There are a few points I would like to make about Christian imitation; and then, I would like to point out why and how Christian imitation is the only truly-valuable form of imitation in the entire fallen world.

 

First of all, consider the uniqueness of Christian imitation.  Every other religion, worldview, or philosophy of life is unworthy of being imitated, especially universally.  The adherents of these religions, etc., are certainly free to follow and propagate their practices--but these traditions, policies, and ways could never be legitimately and realistically proposed to or insisted on for the whole world of humans (as a mandatory or normative) pattern for life.  They are all provincial, "small," and limited to their own devotees.

 

This liability is not true of the authentic/regenerated Christian church life and doctrine.  The reason for this, is because this faith--the true Christian faith--devotes itself to deriving all of its life and practice from the Sacred Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.  We do not depend upon human tradition, or the "canons" of prelates.  We are not claiming to be "perfect" in our interpretations of all the Scripture's doctrines; but we *are* noting that the Scriptures themselves are our only rule for faith and practice.

 

Having established this base, therefore, we are well within our bounds and rights in asserting that the Spirit-filled Christian faith *is* completely imitable in every conceivable situation and place; and with every type of human being--no matter where on earth he or she may be found; and no matter under what religious tradition they may be currently burdened.

 

The way Christian imitation works is very interesting.  According to God's Holy Book, this is how it goes: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit present the divine/human King Jesus before the redeemed church, as the ultimate Model or Pattern.  Christ's example is followed by His specially-called Apostles (of the New Covenant era).  These Apostles--all of them, not only Paul--become for the church's truly-called pastors and church officers their model.  The true pastors and church officers then pass Christ's example on to the rest of the church.  The church members, then, lead their cultures, societies, worlds, and environments.

 

We can even say, that *all* good in the world--bar nothing--is the direct result of this "golden chain" of imitation, from Christ, to the rest of creation.  This "goodness" is not limited to the religious realm--instead, it is manifest in every "good" thing that exists in the world, from good government to good financial systems, etc.

 

If someone, even a supposed "minister" of the church, was to say, in a form of false humility, "I am not worthy of being imitated"--then at least two things are true of that man. . . . One, he is right--he is not worthy of being imitated; and, two, he is not truly called to serve the redeemed lambs of Christ's church.

 

If you are a regenerate Christian churchman, and you are reading this treatise, think about this amazing truth: everything you are to do is to be imitated by all the people in the world--and there is no exception to this rule.  As an ancillary to this, it is also true that *all* other religions, philosophies, etc., are not universally-imitable; and, in many cases, they should not be copied, but rather abominated.

 

All of this should make us who are, by grace, in Christ, humble, grateful, prayerful, and desirous of being models of the love and mercy of Jesus and His gospel of freedom and salvation.

 

Rev. Mark J. Henninger

Treatise #28

9 October 2025

https://theologicaltreatisesinretirement.blogspot.com

https://henningerdevotions.blogspot.com/

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