Very often I will have someone telling me not to imitate somebody else. Especially because of my admiration toward certain men of God.
Then recently I heard someone tell another young man the same thing.
And I pondered on that quite a bit.
How about Paul urging us to imitate him? 1 Corinthians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:17
Could that be only his faith or would it include his passion, prayer, writing and preaching? Or for that matter, would Jesus have said, go find your own styles and don’t mimic Me?
If only Jesus was to be imitated, we haven’t literally seen Him pray or modulate His voice when He preached, have we?
Truth is that everyone imitates someone; with or without their consent or knowledge.
Prayer styles, preaching styles, and even the accent change from church to church. #fact
Anyone know what I am talking about?
Ever noticed how a set of people pray, act and even talk with the same accent and style of their pastor? Interestingly, that is overlooked.
I know for a fact that my manner of preaching has changed a lot from when I started preaching. And is changing still. Sometimes it differs from congregation to congregation.
I like adapting to the congregation. (I started as a Malayalee (from South India) preacher. Till around 16 years of age, I could not preach in English)
As we mature, we all change. Styles get mimicked.
However, the fact remains that we cannot imitate the anointing. We may try to mimic a T. D. Jakes but for the “content”, we still have to go to God.
We may be able to dress like someone but for the “anointing”, we still need to humble ourselves before God.
Like something? Go try it when you can. Chances are that you will soon find something better or with His grace, in the process, you may even find YOUrself.
As long as we don’t forget our identity in the process of bringing Jesus, it’s ok to test the waters.
What do you think of imitating your favourite worship leader, author’s writing or a preacher’s style?
Your turn now.
Peace out! 😉
