3 John 1:11

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:11

Imitation is something that is very common in every area of life. There are imitations foods, clothing, and supplies. The common purpose of imitation is to make something easier or cheaper.

Along with making imitation products, people like to imitate others. Fans try to dress and act like famous performers. Sport’s players try to imitate the famous sport’s players.

In the process of imitation, both good actions and bad actions are often imitated.

John tells his friend to not imitate what is evil, but only that which is good. Anyone who imitates evil really does not know God.

As the world likes to imitate or make imitated things, the church has often picked up the same pattern. Too many believers have chosen to be just like the world, while claiming to believe in Jesus.

Sinful, evil activities are accepted, activated upon and promoted, by some in the church. In fact, there are whole churches that promote evil inside the church, disguising it as good. These people and churches want to look like and fit in with the world, while claiming to follow God.

Peter said that these people have not seen God. They are a false imitation of who Jesus is, just as imitation crab meat is false.

True believers will refuse to be an imitation of the world and evil. They will strive to live their lives for God, rejecting evil, no matter where they are or who they are around. They want be just like Jesus in every way.

Those who have seen God, will know this and want to be like Him, rejecting evil.

As you are going through your days, you must take a look at what you are striving to be like. The world around you is full of evil and calling you to be like them.

Be willing to turn away from sin and reject the evil that is around you. Do not allow yourself to begin to imitate the world and begin looking like the world. You are to be separate and different.

Be like Jesus, holy and pure before God, rejecting evil and sin. Do not be an imitation believer, by imitating what the world is doing and saying.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will be like Jesus in every area of your life; that God will strengthen you to not imitate the world; that you will be set apart for God; and that you will do what is good in God’s eyes.