Whom Do You Imitate

Every year at this time, there is one special event on TV that is the most watched event for the year. Advertisers spend millions to get a commercial shown during this broadcast. The recent price for a 30-second commercial is $2.5 million dollars. Even at that high of a price, many advertisers are turned away because the commercial slots are filled. What event is this, you ask? That is right, the Quiche Cook Off on the Food Network. Ok, that is not it; it is the Super Bowl.

             In this year’s Super Bowl, I have a rooting interest. My favorite team is the San Francisco 49ers. Since the early ‘80’s, I have followed the 49ers rather faithfully. It all began with a catch by Dwight Clark in the NFC championship game. Dwight leapt about three feet in the air and had his arms almost fully extended above his head. The catch was one that was deemed impossible to make, yet Dwight made the catch. When I would play with my Nerf football, I would often imitate that catch.
             There is a saying, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Christians should be imitators, as Paul wrote, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NASB) Who is a person that we can imitate?
             One Super Bowl stands out in my memory. Not because of the team that won it (the 49ers did not play in it), but because of what happened after the game had ended. Mike Tirico approached the MVP of the game and said, “Kurt, first things first — tell me about the final touchdown pass to Isaac Bruce.”
             Kurt Warner answered, “Well, first things first, I've got to thank my Lord and Savior up above - thank you, Jesus!"
             Kurt Warner did not hide being a Christian. Many people do not realize they hide being a Christian. Whether it is out of fear of being considered judgmental or even hateful or those around them are not Christian and they want to fit in. It might be they are unsure of their own beliefs and do not want to discuss it for fear of misleading someone or being ridiculed. Perhaps they feel their beliefs should just be kept private, as many politicians have stated, “My religious views are a private matter between me and my God.”
             Christians are encouraged to be a light, something that is not kept hidden, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NASB) Christians should be proud they are a Christian, not hide it.
             As a youngster, I would imitate Dwight Clark. As an adult, do I imitate Kurt Warner? Whom do you imitate?