Years ago, I took my then 12 year old daughter to a model agency tryout. As she demonstrated her runway walk amidst the attendees, her natural gait made her a great candidate. Both judges and attendees inquired of her training which was non-existent. She was only modeling and imitating what she had been instructed on and seen.

A pastor’s wife recently asked Facebook about the type of church body they’d prefer:  a church body of 15 with godly integrity, or a church body of 100 unconcerned about how they represent Christ. Her question spoke to a need for stronger bible-based anchors girded by sound biblical understanding. Hence, to model and imitate are defined as:

• Model: A pattern, example: any thing to be imitated; standard by which a thing is to be measured
• Imitate: To follow in manners; To copy in form, color or quality

Years ago, Jesus stepped out of the Godhead into flesh to offer himself as the final sacrificial Lamb. He not only modeled walking in the Spirit while in the flesh, but imitated in deed the will of the Father (John 5:19, 30). Unlike the Nation of Israel, Jesus passed the test in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). The Believers dual nature is not an excuse when we read Hebrews 4:14-16:

¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  ¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

In these days, there is an increasing need for intentional “Christ” models! The Body of Christ is being exposed in our country. If you search the internet on where Christianity is growing, you’ll be disheartened to know that America has fallen behind in the Great Commission. The Body of Christ where I attend is challenged in its walk, and held accountable to not only the visions and goals of the ministry, but to the Great Commission. We are reminded that the fields are white for harvest (Matthew 9:37-38)!

If the heart attitude is truly to please God, then the heart intention should be to Model Christ!  Today is an Open Call for Intentional Models!