Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
According to the internet (which is always correct, of course), it is Charles Colton who is credited with the maxim, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” I believe the idea is that taking time to emulate the speech, gait, or mannerisms of another is an indirect way of paying them respect. It is tacit admission that a person is special enough or unique enough or respected enough that the way he presents himself is worth imitation.
As Christian people, we are called to live in imitation of Jesus Christ (and to imitate those who themselves are living in imitation of Jesus). This is for the purpose of honoring Jesus and of living our lives to the fullest extent. Our imitation of Jesus is to be as complete as it possibly can be. We are to follow him in his life, in his suffering, in his service, in his love and care for others, and in his death. Ultimately and finally, we will follow Jesus in his resurrection, and we will live with him forever.
It is a tremendous blessing to be people who are born again, enjoying the power of the Holy Spirit who allows us to live and act in ways that correspond to what God desires us to be. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
–Ricky