SPIRITUAL COPY CATS

		Paul often used a phrase that may surprise you. In fact, if it came from anyone other than Paul in any place other than the Bible, I would have thought it heresy. He said, “Imitate me.” And he said it often -- in First Corinthians, Philippians, and First Thessalonians. For example ... "Therefore I urge you, be imitators of me." (1 Corinthians 4:16) Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1) It’s a bold thing to say, “Be like me. Do what I do. Say what I say. Follow my example.” I don’t always feel comfortable with these words, because I know my faults all too well. But here’s the truth: any leader worth his or her salt can say it, and should say it. You follow the example and yield to the influence of qualified leaders in every area of life. When you invest, or make business decisions, or look after your health, you often look to leaders for direction. That’s because if you take good advice and follow good examples, you’re pretty much guaranteed success in these areas. It’s the same with discipleship and leadership. The crucial question is: Whose example will you choose to follow? A key to your success is to identify imitation-worthy individuals, and learn to follow their example -- especially in these areas: Attitude Preparation Conversation Spiritual Discipline Work Ethic Response to Adversity. Do you know people who excel in these areas? In order to be the best, learn to be like the best.

WHAT I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” Colossians 2 :16-17 NKJV

I have always believed in the promise of Christmas. There has always been something special to me about this time of the year, going back to my earliest days of childhood. I've been in a real meloncoly mood these past few weeks thinking about Christmas' past,  Fortunately for me, there are many wonderful memories hanging as pictures on the galary of mind---to look at---muse about----live again.

What is it that we love about Christmas, once we get past the initial trappings?

I think it is the sense of wonder, beauty, and anticipation. It is the music, the look of surprise on a child’s face, and the amazing food. It’s the companionship of family and good friends. It is also the absence of strife and meanness (that is, with the exception of the crowds on “Black Friday”).

But how often does Christmas really deliver on its promises? A little bit here and there, but by and large, it ends up being the endless drone of mind-numbing ads on TV. It is the friction and pressure that comes when we are obligated to purchase gifts for people we barely know. It is the expectation put on us by others and sometimes even ourselves.

Then there is that big post-Christmas letdown—the letdown of expectations that can never really be met. We were not able to give what we really wanted to give, or what they really wanted to receive. Or you yourself did not get what you had hoped for. Then there are those bills that come due . . .

So what is Christmas at its worst? It is a crass, commercial, empty, exhausting, and very expensive ritual that drags on endlessly for months at a time----even before Thanksgiving now!

What is Christmas at its best? It is a glimpse of things to come–the beauty, the worshipful music, the adoring angels, the love, the warmth, the promise, the hope…all things promised to us in a life to yet come.

You see, Christmas is a promise. It is a promise that has not yet been fully kept.

Christmas cannot be all that we want it to be. It’s only a holiday. Christmas cannot bring harmony to your home. Christmas cannot bring peace on earth. Christmas cannot bring happiness.

But Christ Himself can do all of this and more. That is really what we are longing for deep inside.

• Not Christmas, but Christ.
• Not merriment, but the Messiah.
• Not goodwill, but God.
• Not presents, but His presence.

Anything or anyone short of this will disappoint. But God never will.

That’s what I want for Christmas–Jesus Christ.

THINK ABOUT IT: What is Christmas at its best?