Eyewitnesses to the account say I was three.  I have no memory of it personally.

In the early 70’s, my family shared a two-story house with my grandparents – grandma and grandpa lived on the ground level; dad, mom, my brother and I on the top.

This particular day I had sauntered downstairs while my grandma was getting food ready for dinner.  Part of her prep work entailed piercing a piece of meat repeatedly so that it could cook thoroughly.

I adored my grandma and typically wanted to do everything she did.  So, I found myself a random pencil and the nearest hassock and began to stab away as I copied the action I saw her performing.

As the story goes, I was profusely scolded.  I have no memory of that, either.  (And, for those of you tender-hearted souls who may be wondering – yes, the hassock survived.)

I guarantee there’s not a person reading this who doesn’t understand the principle of that story.  The act of learning by example or copying someone’s behavior or traits that we admire is as old as humanity itself.

As I grew, I helped my grandma in the kitchen, watched and followed her example, and used some of her recipes.  In doing so, I became more accomplished and developed in my cooking and baking skills until I could replicate some of the dishes she served.  (I am still nowhere near my grandma’s skill level, but progress has occurred!)

It took time.  It didn’t happen overnight.  It was a process of patience, persistence, and growth.

Just like following Jesus.  While choosing to be born again and giving Jesus the steering wheel of your life is instantaneous, the process of growing, maturing, and developing in Him takes time to unfold.

Paul had a great understanding of this.  He told the newly converted Christians of the Corinthian church to “imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” (I Cor. 11:1 HCSB)

That foundational truth still applies to us today.  Regardless of where we find ourselves in our Christian journey, imitating Christ is always our daily goal.

Are we looking more like Him today?  Are we acting more like Him today?  Does our speech sound more like Him today?

“…be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.” (Eph. 5:1 HCSB)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!