I watched and listened as my younger daughter prayed with us in the family. She repeated the exact words I used in prayer including my tongues. She was learning by imitation.
Friend, imitation is not limitation. Contrary to what motivational science may have taught, there is a blessing in imitation if correctly done. Imitation is the key to emerging into the person God has ordained you to be. It is the key to moving from an amateur to an expert. It is the secret to becoming (1 Corinthians 11:1).
“Copy my example, because I copy Christ’s example…” (1 Corinthians 11:1 Easy English). The bulk of Christianity rests on imitation. To imitate is to take or follow as a model. It is to pattern your life after something or someone whom you consider a model of what you should be or where you are going. Paul copied Christ and he encouraged the Corinthians to do the same by copying him.
“Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you…” (Isaiah 51:2). Who you look at you look like. You cannot consistently look at or follow something or someone and not become like the same. We are encouraged to look unto Abraham. We are told to follow those who through faith and patience obtained the promise (Hebrews 6:12, 13:7). Whatever fights your following is fighting your destiny; we follow to become (Acts 4:13).
Sometimes, you would have to imitate before you initiate. You would have to be an echo before you can be a voice. It’s not bad to sound another person’s voice until you find your voice. You don’t have to always reinvent the wheel. You can ride the existing wheel and enter your own prophetic destiny. It is simple wisdom to do what you see your leader do if you hope to break into the anointing of your destiny (2 Kings 2:13-15).
It does not matter your area of operation; business, career, ministry etc., God will always give you a model. But pride and ignorance may not allow you to see such. In the kingdom, success is not copyright protected; just be sure you are copying right. When you do what wise people do you would get the result of the wise (Proverbs 13:20). Stop struggling in isolation. Connect with the right model and fulfil your destiny. Imitation is not limitation.
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria