Dear Rose Park,
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This well-known quote is attributed to the Irish poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde. It essentially means when we imitate someone (speak like them, dress like them, conduct ourselves like them) we are showing a great deal of respect and honor because we desire to be like them. We typically hear this phrase when a parent explains to a child why their sibling is copying them, but I wonder if you’ve ever thought of it in light of your relationship with Christ?
The subtitle to the second chapter of the book of Philippians is: Imitating Christ’s Humility. The Apostle Paul writes these words:
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
For the past two academic years, we’ve launched a theme here at Rose Park. The first was Broken & Redeemed and the second was The House of the Lord. This year’s theme is: Imitating Christ. In other words, be like Jesus. Do what Jesus would do. Love like Jesus. Forgive like Jesus. Listen like Jesus. Be subtle and yet at the same time bold like Jesus. The list can go on and on. For our specific purposes, we’re going to be highlighting Jesus’ humility and willingness to put others above Himself.
It’s our hope that through this vision, we might adopt a posture of servanthood here at Rose Park. In other words, serving others and serving God is a part of the DNA of what it means to be a part of the worshipping community here. Serving isn’t merely for pastors or elders or deacons. Serving isn’t just for those few years when you serve on a committee so then you can go and rest in the bullpen until you’re begged to serve again. Instead, serving is a natural inclination of what it means to follow Jesus and be a part of the Church.
With volunteerism on the decline in almost all sectors throughout the entire country, it seems paramount that not only should the Church be at the forefront of what it means to serve God and neighbor, but it should also be teaching, mentoring, and discipling servants of God for generations to come. Imitating Christ’s humility and serving others is not for a select few, it’s at the very foundation of what it means to love like Jesus.
Grace & Peace,
