From Mimicry to Emulation—You Are Meant For More

Discover the transformative journey from mimicry to emulation, unlocking your divine potential and becoming like Christ.

The Path to Glory—Mimicry, Imitation, and Emulation

Imagine standing before three roads. Each one has travelers, but their numbers grow fewer as the paths progress. At first glance, they all seem promising, but as you look closer, you notice stark differences. Each road represents a way of engaging with Christ’s teachings—mimicry, imitation, and emulation. You are meant for more than simply walking these paths—you are called to radiate His light and strive for celestial glory.

The Road of Mimicry—Telestial Glory

The first road is broad and bustling. Travelers on this path are busy, ambitious, and eager for success. They mimic Christ’s teachings—acting charitable, speaking of goodness, and sometimes even quoting scripture. Yet their focus is clear: to gain the world.

This is the path of telestial glory, described in Doctrine and Covenants 76:98–103 as the domain of “liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie.” These individuals actively rebel against God, rejecting both His form and His power. They may recognize some truths of Christ’s teachings but ultimately choose the fleeting pleasures of the world over eternal progression.

Paul describes them in 2 Timothy 3:2–4: they are “lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers... lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” Their lives, though outwardly appealing, are self-serving and disconnected from God’s will.

The telestial are forever separated from God’s presence and cannot progress further. They inherit a degree of glory but remain confined by their choices to reject Christ’s light and laws.

The Road of Imitation—Terrestrial Glory

The second road is quieter and narrower. Here walk men and women who know of Christ and His teachings. They strive to live according to His principles, working to serve others and bring about good in the world. Like the moon reflects the light of the sun, their lives reflect the glory of Christ’s teachings.

This is the path of terrestrial glory, described in Doctrine and Covenants 76:75–79 as those who are “honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men” and who “receive not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but afterwards receive it.” These individuals adopt the form of godliness but stop short of embracing its power—the transformative influence of the Holy Ghost and a covenant relationship with Christ.

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines imitation as “to follow in manners; to copy in form, color, or quality.” This reflects their efforts—they follow Christ’s example to the best of their understanding but do not access the full power of His gospel. Their works are honorable and good, but they lack the radiance and transformation of celestial discipleship.

You are meant for more than simply reflecting His light. You are called to emulate Him, to radiate His glory, and to access the full power of godliness.

The Road of Emulation: Celestial Glory

The third road is narrow, with only a few travelers. But the light here is unmistakable—it radiates, not from the path, but from the travelers themselves. These are those who emulate Christ.

To emulate Christ is more than imitation—it is the striving to match or surpass His qualities through a deep personal connection with Him. Webster’s 1828 defines emulation as “to strive to equal or excel; to imitate with a view to equal or outdo.” Those who emulate Christ hunger and thirst after righteousness, feasting upon His word and doing His will.

Emulation means living with the confidence that you are meant for more. It is an invitation to take His yoke upon you, as Christ declared in Matthew 11:29-30: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Invitation to Emulation

The choice is now before you. Will you step onto the path of emulation? Will you strive not only to know of Christ but to know Him personally? You are meant for more than mimicry or imitation. You are invited to truly know Him, emulate His character, and grow into the divine potential He sees in you.

Begin today. Feast upon His word, pray with intent to know His will, and act with pure intent to glorify Him in all you do—which in part is to discover, develop, and disseminate your talents to glorify God and bring about Zion. Record your journey as He reveals His light to you, and never cease to grow—line upon line, perfection upon perfection—until you are prepared to stand in His presence and receive all that God hath.

I’ll Walk with You

I’m a fellow traveler on the path of discipleship, striving daily to align my life with celestial principles. If you feel the call to magnify your stewardships, focus your heart on Christ, and discover joy through Christlike thinking, I invite you to walk this path with me.

Together, let’s grow in a Christ-centered community. Subscribe below to receive weekly inspiration, free Christ-centered tools, and timeless treasures to guide your journey in emulating Christ. Let’s uncover the joy, growth, and transformation that come from walking His way—united in purpose and discipleship.

Stay tuned for the next chapter in The Journey to Emulating Christ, where we explore the transformative role of the Holy Ghost in guiding you to greater works. Subscribe below for updates and Christ-centered insights delivered to your inbox.