When we lack revelation and don't understand God's purpose in any given area of life, imitation often replaces revelation. Much of what we do in life is often an imitation of others because we lack our own revelation of God’s purposes. What is God’s purpose for marriage? church? child rearing? the gifts of the Spirit? When we have no revelation of God’s purpose, we simply imitate the culture around us. This usually leads to confusion, frustration and failure.
Imitation is seen in religious tradition and legalism. Imitation is also seen in the latest teachings in non-traditional church settings. Just like anyone else, teachers want to be accepted. In order to be accepted it is easy to preach what others are preaching. Imitation is seen in the world of worship music. In order to be ‘relevant’ we feel the need to copy what the world is doing.
True life and reality must come from a genuine revelation of your identity in Christ and His call on your life. That revelation and call may not allow you to imitate others. God is a Creator, not a follower.
I’m not suggesting that every routine, system or tradition is bad. Many routines were born of a true understanding of God and His ways. But, if each generation only copies and never understands why it is done that way those routines quickly become hollow and even legalistic.
Revelation knowledge is the key to a meaningful life. Whether we are talking about marriage, church, education or government, we need to have spiritual understanding of God’s original intentions.
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Col. 2:8)