18 July | Youth
«Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.» 1 Corinthians 11:1
Why do we yawn when we see someone yawn? Why do we feel “other people's shame” when we see a person going through a humiliating situation? The answer to these questions is in our head, more precisely in the inferior frontal cortex. In this region we have the so-called mirror neurons, experts in copying.
Italian scientists discovered in the 1990s that simply observing the actions of others is capable of activating the same regions in the observer's own brain. Visual perception initiates a kind of simulation or internal duplication of the acts seen. In other words, when we see someone doing something or experiencing an emotion, our natural inclination is to reproduce the same thing.
Human beings have a strong tendency to align their behavior with that of others. Imitation facilitates social interactions, brings people together and promotes mutual care. Good imitators are also good at recognizing emotions in other people, which in turn can generate greater empathy.
It is healthy to have compassion for people and empathy for their suffering. However, when the suffering of others starts to affect us to the point that we stop living our own lives, we need to reevaluate this behavior. Each individual has their own personality, their way of thinking, feeling and acting. Recognizing limits is a fundamental requirement for a healthy life, including in the spiritual realm.
Ellen White wrote: “It is a law both of the intellectual and the spiritual nature that by beholding we become changed. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell. It becomes assimilated to that which it is accustomed to love and reverence” (The Great Controversy, p. 555).
What have you imitated from other people? Good or bad things? The apostle Paul invites us to be his imitators, just as he was of Christ. The Greek word translated as “imitators” is mimētai, plural of mimētēs, from which the term “mimic” is derived. In a very courageous way, Paul calls us to follow in his footsteps and imitate his example, after all he knew he was a true follower of Jesus. Do you accept his invitation?