Mini-Me

“The sincerest form of flattery is imitation!” This observation is widely credited to Oscar Wilde, the popular 19^th century poet and playwright. However, there are similar but sarcastic statements that date a hundred years earlier such as: “Imitation is kind of artless flattery” or “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” I prefer the Wilde expression over the other two for sure!

My Mini-Me!

I have known for a long time that children watch adults in their lives and often mimic their behavior. I did this when I was a child! I wanted to wear a ball cap, have a toothpick in my mouth and cover my hands with inexpensive brown Jersey gloves like my dad. I was surprised recently during a family visit to see that my six-year-old granddaughter, Klaire, was imitating me.

When I am in a “crowd situation” at family gatherings I like to mark my glass when there are so many drinking glasses it is nearly impossible to keep track of who’s glass belongs to whom. Now, I don’t mind sharing some things, but I still prefer drinking from my own cup! So, I like to take a piece of masking tape and designate my glass with my initials. My grown kids could argue that since each of us have the same MJK initials, that my glass is theirs for the choosing!

 We sing, "I like to go to church!"

When I am with the grandchildren, I will print “Poppi” on my label. The grandkids are so used to this, they accept my compulsion as normal for me. This time Klaire showed her own flare! I looked up at the food bar where we were eating our lunch sandwich with chips and laughed out loud. Klaire had cut a small piece of paper, printed her name on it, and then affixed it with tape to her glass. It looked like a flag waving for everyone to see and take note that this glass belonged to the Little Princess!😊

It was on a Galilean lakeside one day that Jesus called some fishermen to be with Him and join in a global mission to save the world. He invited these first disciples to drop their nets and simply, “Follow me! I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish.” (Matthew 4:19, CEV). It was a transformational invitation to mimic Jesus. The early followers were called to be, talk, walk, and act like Jesus. This has not changed! We too, are called to be like Him today!

Later, there would be unbelievers in Antioch of Syria who would label them in derision, “Christians or little Christs!” (Acts 11:26). This designation may have been used disparagingly at first, but in time this became an honored moniker for everyone who put their trust in Jesus and followed Him as Lord and Savior.

We need more “little Christs” mobilized and mimicking the Lord today! The world needs to see Christ and His approachableness, love, kindness, and boldness in and through us. Many of those in need of Christ long to experience the transformation that only He can bring. They need hope, meaning, and purpose in their lives.

If someone says, you’re just acting like one of those Christian churchgoers! Gently respond, “Thank you! I hope so. I do want to be like Jesus!” Let’s live the life Christ calls us to live and ask every day, “What would Jesus do or say? How would He react?”

Blessings to all who aspire to be “little Christs!”

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,

active churchman and

doting grandparent.

Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com