Read 

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." 

Think 

Have you ever seen a father and son and noticed that they had similar mannerisms? Or watched a mother and daughter and thought, “They have the same laugh!”? We all imitate others to some degree – whether we mean to or not. When we are around people, we pick up things they do. It can be little things like the words they use to bigger things like how they manage money, lead their family or live a healthy lifestyle. Who do you imitate?

When we take things others do and incorporate them into our lives, we imitate them. Imitation is a good thing because it is a God thing when we imitate the right things. Think about it again – who are you imitating?  

Is there an area of your life you want to change? Do you want to improve your parenting, strengthen your marriage, or better manage your anger? Do you need to get better at taking care of yourself, being involved in the church, or navigating career choices? Look for people whoGod is helping to excel in those areas and learn from them. When you imitate, God will help you elevate!   

Act 

Today, identify at least one person with an area of their life you need to imitate. Take them to coffee or lunch, ask questions, and practice what they tell you. Use their example to elevate yourself.  

Pray 

Heavenly Father, help me identify and imitate good examples so that I can experience the best You have planned for my life. Give me a humble heart that is willing to learn! In Jesus' name, Amen.