Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil is not from God. – 3 John v11
John is writing to his friend Gaius. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
In his final epistle, John is writing to Gaius, whom tradition has it, may be the one John appointed as bishop of Pergamum.
John commends Gaius for his hospitality to traveling preachers of the gospel (v5, 6,8); for his faithfulness (v5); for his love (v6); and for his walking in the truth (v3). And then, in his final instruction, tells Gaius not to imitate evil but to imitate good.
To imitate is to act like, follow or duplicate. Imitation comes from the Latin word ‘imitatio’ which means ‘a copying, imitation.’ It is where an individual observes and replicates another’s behaviour. It is also a form of social learning that leads to the development of traditions, and ultimately our culture. And John obviously knew the powerful impact of imitation.
John is essentially telling Gaius, be cautious who you choose as your role model. The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1 says imitate me as I imitate Christ.
We all have role models who we admire and try to emulate. Role models can play a very powerful role in our lives. But just as we have role models, there are also those who are watching us and learning from us. As parents, older siblings, even among friends or those in our areas of influence, we are being observed and imitated.
What are those watching you learning today? Peace, love, patience, forgiveness or strife, anger, bitterness, envy, jealousy?
Father, help me be wise in choosing who I imitate and remain ever conscious of what others see in me, I pray.
Extended Reading – 2 John; 3 John
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