Question: Ever heard the expression, “He/she is one-of-a-kind”? Probably so. We can be tempted to think that originality is invariably a good thing. But I know of no one who does not model himself/herself on others. And I would like to proffer the thesis that imitating the right people is not only biblical and mimetic, but wise.

Scripture: There are paragons galore from which I could pick. But Paul’s words in Philippians are so clear when it comes to this theme of imitating the right people–not just anybody, but the right people:

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Philippians 3:17-21, ESV)

Teaching: Did you catch Paul’s command to imitate the right people? It’s right there in verse 17. First, he tells the Philippians to join in imitating him (Paul). Why? Is that Paul’s hubris surfacing? No. On the contrary; Paul had grown to hate his former pride and Pharisaism. He was the meekest of Christians now, pastoring, planting churches, arguing with skeptics in the synagogues, and offering reasoned defenses of the faith with skeptics and all who would listen.

Second, he tells the Philippians that many “walk as enemies of the cross of Christ” (v. 18). In other words, know that you have people working against God and against God’s people. So, be wise. Be vigilant. Be diligent. Be steadfast. Be of good courage.

Encouragement: Mimesis is simply imitating those you admire. It’s right and proper. You could aim to be original in everything, but you might just end up being a new kind of failure. Paul tells us not to do that. He tells the Philippian believers the same lesson he tells believers today: Imitate the godly heroes of the faith. Imitate their depth, their wisdom, their service, their love, their courage, their faithfulness.