“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-7).

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. As a college student, I remember a pastor of an area church and his entourage. The pastor had a distinctive look and each of the three young men who worked with him sporting the same hairstyle – slicked back with lots of gel- and similar polyester suits. They even seemed to imitate the gait of this pastor.

Have you ever followed another person that closely?

In the opening verses of 1 Thessalonians, Paul encourages these young believers with the same command to the Corinthians, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

As the Thessalonians followed Paul’s example, they actually became positive examples themselves in Macedonia and Achaia and “everywhere”.

I’ve heard it said that there are five Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and the follower of Christ and most people will not read the first four.

Would people everywhere be able to say that I am serving the “living and true God”?

Where and how can I follow Christ more closely? Maybe it is in my attitude or in my speech or in the things I do. I don’t think the hair gel and polyester is necessary.