Imitate Wisely

Imitate Wisely
Words of Faith 2-11-26
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2026
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Hebrews 6
[9] Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case things that accompany salvation. [10] God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. [11] We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. [12] We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

        We humans, are quite adept at imitation. We readily imitate people we admire, music we enjoy, styles, and fashions. No one even questions the value and power of role models because we are so clearly shaped by those we admire and emulate. That is why it is so very important to choose carefully those whom we look to and imitate, as we are shaped after the image of Christ.

        As Christians   who do we imitate? Christ, of course. But what human mentors and role models will show us the most of Christ? Is it always the one with the most flash and charisma? Is it always the one who is most passionate and compelling? Is it necessarily the one who exhibits the worldly standards of beauty and polish? The choices are not always easy.

        Today, the Writer moves on from the frightful possibilities of falling away from God or growing more thorns than fruits and brings a gentler word:"I really expect the best in you. I am confident of better things in you than thorns and thistles and disgrace to the Lord. God is aware of your good work and love as you have helped others."It is a word of encouragement plus a word of exhortation: "Don't become lazy. Be diligent to the very end. And most importantly, imitate those who are faithful and patient."

         Who do we choose to imitate? Not those who start loudly, but rather those who finish strongly. Not necessarily those who proclaim much passion, but instead those who are faithful and patient all the way to the end. Not the fastest out of the starting blocks, but the one who never quits and crosses the finish line with strength.

         The truth is that imitating a loud "super Christian" can lead to great discouragement and disillusionment. We can even become lazy in our faith when we look only to those who are blazing like the sun... rather than those who are faithful to the Son.

            Lord, may I imitate You above all. May I have the discernment to see the life of Christ lived out in patience and faithfulness in those around me. May I faithfully imitate Christ by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2026
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2026 Jeffrey D. Hoy.