When my daughters were much younger, I noticed they often repeat my exact prayer lines when we are in family prayers. Now, when I eavesdrop on their personal prayers, I see that their own prayer languages have evolved from what they heard me pray. Truly, imitation is not always a limitation.
Friend, the principle of the kingdom is the principle of following. It is followers that become (John 1:12). One of the reasons God places Kingdom leaders before us is to help model how we are meant to live and what we are meant to do under God (1 Corinthians 11:1).
The quality of your followership will determine the quality of your manifestation. In motivational science, we were told that imitation is limitation, but in the kingdom, imitation is not limitation. It is actually the key to transformation and manifestation when correctly done.
Who you company with will determine what will accompany you (Acts 4:13). This was the testimony about the disciples of Jesus. Sometimes, you have to be an echo before you can be a voice. John the baptism only became a voice by sounding the voice of Jesus (John 3:27-31).
One of the blessings of following is avoidance (or reduction) of mistakes. People who make avoidable mistakes are often people who have no one to follow. Did you notice that Elisha simply repeated what he saw Elijah did and he got exactly the same result (2 Kings 2:14)? There is no point trying to reinvent the wheel when you can simply ride on the existing one.
Followership must be deliberate and intentional. It must be with commitment. Like Ruth, you must not give in to whatever it is that wants to dissuade you from correct followership (Ruth 1:16). Like Elisha, don’t let people mock what God is using to make you (2 Kings 2:3). Learn to follow the right things in the leader that God has given you to follow (Hebrews 13:7). Imitation is not always limitation.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria