Have you ever heard the phrase, "Monkey see, Monkey do?" Google says that the words, "Monkey see, Monkey do," originated in Jamaica, in early 18th. century. There is a suggested origin on Wikipedia that it was a West Africa Folklore.
Then there is a folktale from Mali, about a hat salesman that had his entire inventory of hats stolen by monkeys, who grabbed them while he was napping under a tree, and the monkeys climbed out of his reached. Upon waking, he was trying to get his hats from the monkeys, so he started gesturing and screaming angrily at the monkeys, only to have them imitate his gesturing and screaming. Finally, he throws his own hat to the ground in frustration. The monkeys repeat his action and they do the same thing, they threw the hats to the ground also. Thus a happy ending ensures.
As children of Christ, we must be very careful how we display our lives before others. The Bible tells us that we should live by the examples of Jesus. Always displaying everything that is good. "My dear friend, do not imitate what is bad, imitate what is good." (3 John 1:11)
"Imitate" means to follow or to copy. This verse tells us that we shouldn't copy the bad things of life, but the good things. Jesus is our perfect example of "ALL" things good. Scripture calls us to imitate God and mimic His character in our lives. "Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).
So ask yourself an important question: "What kind of example am I?" So are you a positive influence on others? Are you a person whose kindness speaks louder than words? Are your actions based on integrity and love for Jesus? If yes, you are blessed by God. You are a positive and powerful force for good. You are a great example of Christ. Thank you for being an example!
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