If an impersonator is proficient at their craft, you can close your eyes and become convinced a famous person is standing in your midst.  Rich Little is one such impersonator, known as the “man of a thousand voices”.   One of his most famous impersonations is of President Richard Nixon.  But in the end, pretending to be someone else is a performance for entertainment purposes.  Unfortunately, a more encompassing definition would include those with deceptive intentions who assume a role illegitimately for the purposes of selfish gain.   An example would be the impersonation of a police officer with the intent of accomplishing some unlawful outcome. In both cases, the impersonator presents themselves as someone else.

It is interesting to compare and contrast impersonator with a similar term, “imitator”.  While there might appear to be some overlap in definitions, I want to suggest that to qualify as a true “imitator”, one must embark on a deeper investigation into the character of the person of interest.  Certainly, we all remember as children playing the game “Simon Says” when at the right time we would imitate the actions of the one leading the game.   But imitation is much more than a surface level response.

To qualify as an “imitator”, the process requires a deeper investigation into the character of the person of interest.

Perhaps inspired by a dynamic public speaker, we want to understand their presentation style in pursuit of a similar persuasive power.  And then there is the admired leader with character qualities which we want to adopt through the transformation of our own character – we want to become like them.  To achieve such a transformation necessarily demands a learning process that transcends a causal understanding.  An imitator with such aspirations has to move from a state of “knowing about” to “knowing”.

In the second half of Ephesians chapter 4, the Apostle Paul discusses the walk of the rebellious Gentile juxtaposed with a believer in Jesus Christ.  At the very end of the chapter, Paul issues a reminder that we are to be “kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Eph 4:32).   Paul’s literary trademark “Therefore” at the opening of Chapter 5 should not surprise us.   “Therefore…” because of all I just pointed out to you, I call you to “be imitators of God as beloved children”.  He sums up this directive by appealing to the greatest of commandments – as Christ loved, so love one another – “Walk in Love”. 

An Imitator must learn more than facts and figures.

In Judaism of the first century, any man wishing to come under the teaching of a rabbi was required to make a significant commitment.  Motivated by a desire to inculcate the spiritual character qualities, wisdom, and understanding of his rabbi, the student/follower would make great sacrifices. Unlike sitting in a classroom under a professor’s instruction taking notes and building intellectual knowledge, the curriculum of an imitator involved lifestyle training.  They lived with their rabbi, eating, working, and discussing together the events of everyday life.  The talmidim (students) observed the rabbi’s responses, listened to his reasoning, and noted his attitudes as reflected in outward behaviors. Think about the training of Jesus’ disciples which began with “follow Me.”  They left everything to journey with Jesus integrating into His daily life.  With such an intimate relationship, the disciples learned of Jesus’ character and pursued the same longing to imitate His heart message. So much more than facts and figures, the disciples gained essential wisdom for life’s journey eventually serving as Jesus’ representatives to the world. 

But among the imitating disciples was one who revealed a more devious aspect of impersonation. Motivated by selfish gain, Judas spoke with the right voice, demonstrated the proper mannerisms, and made it appear he was of a character that was in fact a fraud. He was guilty of impersonating a disciple of Christ. Judas expected Jesus as the Messiah to restore the Davidic throne and suppress the Romans authority. He was interested in riding on the coattails of the new King securing a prominent position in the new administration. When Judas saw his plans falling apart, his impersonation tragically ended – the performance was over.

But there is a danger of becoming content with impersonation when God calls us to imitation.

The contrast between Judas Iscariot and the faithful disciples sets up a stark reminder of the difference between an impersonator and an imitator. The impersonator remains at a surface level only seeking an outward similarity, unwilling to make an investment in deeper things. Their goal is to satisfy the desires of the flesh by getting the things God offers rather than God Himself. However, the imitator of Christ longs for a soul transformation, pouring their lives into a daily walk with God, emersed in His word, pursuing that intimate relationship, and desiring to imitate in their own lives the very character of God. As a child gains intimate knowledge of their earthly father, so we as children of God are called to imitate our heavenly Father thereby becoming His reflection. Such work is made possibly only by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Is there transforming power?

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church instructing them to test and examine themselves to see if they were in the faith (2 Cor 13:5).  The same examination applies today to all who claim to be “in the faith”. What is the outcome of the test?  Do we know the language, speak the theology, yet are merely impersonators because we only desire the surface level outcomes?  Or do we sense that transformative power at work in our inner man producing a passion to know Christ and to bear fruit to His pleasure?  Are we abiding in the vine experiencing transformation from His mighty Power?  Those who truly believe are indwelt by the Spirit of God who opens their mind to understand the lessons of sacred scripture – character transforming truths to be applied in daily living. The call goes forth to all who believe – be imitators of God. 

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2