Saturday, April 27, 2013

Copy Cat


Have you ever noticed how children love to copy everything they see and everything they hear? We have probably all been exposed, you know, to a person that copies, imitates, mimics, or follows our lead.

·         A co-worker or friend who compliments something we are wearing, and shows up the next day wearing it

·         Someone who picks up a unique (only to us) expression or saying and begins using it

·         Someone who adopts our ideas and then passes them off as being their own idea first

We all think (or we try to be!) original and one of a kind, but there are always going to be people who share our interests and/or admire something we have or do. (If we are honest, we do the same thing!) Besides, they say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…right?

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete, by being like- minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”  (Philippians 2:1)

Every day we are setting an example by the clothes we wear, the things we say, and the choices we make, and there are people who are going to be watching and imitating or following our lead. Personally, I find it flattering when my actions, ideas, or behavior influences others. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12 to “set an example”, and we have to realize that our behavior does inspire others! We want to set a good example for others to replicate our action and activities, and we have to constantly guard our performance and manner because others are not only watching, but there is a possibility that what they see us doing will influence them to mimic or copy us.

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (I Timothy 4:16)

We may not realize just how many people are watching us, but they are watching! And we must constantly be aware of our image, and the things we say and do so that it makes a praiseworthy example for others to go by. We don’t have to be perfect, but we should provide a model of living that inspires others and lifts them up. As we think about the ways we motivate others, we are aware that we are a leader wherever we go…whether as a parent, spouse, boss, or friend. This is quite a responsibility that requires us to set our sights on Jesus and pattern our life after Him! The path we follow influences others to follow along the same path; our attitudes and behavior will be a witness for the Lord and others will want to follow that type of example.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Our lives are like a lamp, and if it doesn’t help others to see it is useless! Our job is to shine and let the light of Christ reflected in our lives help those who need an influence or mentor in their life. To be a positive influence on others we have to encourage them and shine with our actions and words, and as we let this amazing light shine, we give other people permission to do the same. When we commit to following and imitating Christ, we make a commitment to influence others and help them live successfully. There is always a chance that whatever we are seen doing will influence others to copy our behavior, and we should consider that as the highest form of flattery! 





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28 comments:

  1. Dear Denise
    Wise words and always very necessary to remember and heed! Even just common sense should tell us that we should be an example of what we claim to be!! How can an apple claim to be an apple if it looks and tastes like an orange?
    Blessings from Barbie's
    Mia

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    1. Aw; thanks Mia! Love your words here sweet sister! Blessings to you too!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Michelle! Blessings!

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  3. There truly is nothing new under the sun is there? I love the connection you make with encouraging one another...stirring one another up to good works...what a delightful outcome that would be :-)

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    1. Thanks Marty; the outcome is amazing isn't it? :)

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  4. Excellent post, Denise! As the saying goes, we may be the only Bible a non-believer ever reads, and the only Jesus he ever sees. May we immerse ourselves in His Word to reflect His light to others, for others are always watching!
    God bless,
    Laurie

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    1. I haven't heard that saying in a long time; love it...amen! Blessings to you too Laurie!

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  5. Hi Denise,

    Sometimes I have had to tell myself that even when it is unlikely that anyone else will see...God is always watching!
    And I have also had to remember that although there are many good examples of what a Godly woman looks like, only God sees the heart,but He will help us discern what is in a persons heart; and that is what I try to pay attention to as well as the outside appearances. We see that light in one another as Christians, and shining our light wherever we are placed in this dark world serves as lighthouses for those who are lost in stormy seas, as well as lanterns for our own feet as we walk out our faith...The Holy spirit is the oil that ignites our lamps, and there are occassions when we must help one another to re-ignite our lamp when we get a little lost along the way by sharing our oil, (which is the Word of God) with one another for inspiration and encouragement, or even admonishment.)
    ~God bless you, my dear friend~ Lisa

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    1. Love what you said here Lisa; we do have to serve as a light house and shine for Him! Blessings and hugs to you Lisa!

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  6. Hi Denise, may you continue to shine your lamp brightly my friend. Always a delight to read your refreshing words. Blessings.

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    1. Thanks Wanda, and for always blessing me too!

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  7. Beautiful post. So true. Thanks for this reminder.
    And thanks for stopping over at My Journey and playing Scattergories with me!
    Have a beautiful week. Oh don't forget come by and check out the cookbook reviews every Tuesday.
    Blessings,
    Sherry

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    1. It was fun! I will come back...thanks for the reminder. I hope you have a beautiful week too Sherry!

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  8. Your post made me smile about the copy cats. Yes, we do want to be a good example in dress, speach and actions and hope that others will follow.

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    1. Hi Hazel, nice to hear from you; hope all is well dear friend! :)

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  9. Yes, that would be the highest form of flattery. I wish I could always say with Paul, "Be imitators of me." But I fail many times and always thankful for His grace that helps me.

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    1. Debbie; so glad you stopped by. I hope you are doing well; have missed you my friend!

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  10. Amen! I often remind my children of this truth that they are indeed lights. We, as believers, should be examples for others to follow.

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    1. We have a wonderful example to follow, and should lead by example! :)

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  11. Hi Denise, May we all be a good example for others to follow. Unfortunately sometimes people follow our bad example.

    Awesome reminder you shared with us here. I love what you say about people copying us is the highest form of flattery!
    May the Lord bless you,
    Ken

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    1. Thanks Ken; I hope to always be a copy cat of His teachings and follow His example more!

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  12. As I heal, I see I am becoming more and more like my Heavenly Daddy. Thank you Denise for sharing. Blessings.

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  13. Hi Denise, you are so right! People are watching. I hope to copycat you in the encouragement department my friend. You always encourage me.
    God bless
    Tracy

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  14. Setting an example isn't the main means--it's the only means. Love that. I'm who I am because of the examples of Godly people. You've written this well, friend, and it urges me to be more careful of the example I set.

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