Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

‭‭3 John‬ ‭1‬:‭11

I like to think that I’m unique, but mostly we just imitate things in our own ways.

I learned to drink and drug the same way I learned about God—by imitating those around me.

The importance of who is around me cannot be overstated. I have no control over where I’m plopped down in this life, but as I wade out into friendships and social circles, my choices dictate my life.

Yes, if I could do things again, I’d take prayer more seriously and arm myself daily by seeking His will sooner.

Yes, I’d scoff less and listen more when with my elders. I’d get in the center of healthy youth groups instead of creeping toward the fringes.

There are a hundred things and moments I would redo.

But imitation continues for a lifetime and leaves permanent ripples throughout many lives, not just my own.

Stopping the self-sabotage was the beginning of a new era of finding good examples and becoming open to the wisdom I may not yet understand.

It’s a poor substitute for God, but don’t look at it that way. There is no substitute for Him. We still do have access to Him, but unless you’ve found a burning bush lately, the discourse often starts with our fellow seekers.

God, let me absorb your truths from those who imitate you.