Imitate this!

I gotta tell you, this scripture was recently placed in stark relief for me.

Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (NIV)

What would you do if you met a guy who was hungry?  What would you do if you ran into a family that had a serious need for shelter, clothing or food?  What you do if you came face to face with a lady who needed medicine and couldn't afford to pay for it?  Some of us would ignore the need.  Some of us would rather believe that the need was somehow going to be taken care of by 'others'.  Some of us would as soon convince ourselves that the situation was deserved by past sins and mistakes.  Unfortunately, many would do nothing.
I believe a leader is a person of action.  Recently, I got a front row seat to witness this.  There was a hungry guy.  He needed shelter, clothing and food.  I don't know if he needed medicine, but if he had, tough luck, because he had no money with which to purchase it.  One of Christ's people put him up for a couple of weeks, fed him, saw that he had a place to live, food to eat and the opportunity for a fresh start.  It was a modern day twist to a familiar story that Jesus told.  In this story, though, quite a few of God's people joined in with this leader and helped effect this rescue. 

None of them are after any cudos...so no names here!  No, the cudos go to the ONE who deserves them. He gets all the glory.  But, because I'm grateful...I will say thanks.  Thanks for the great example.  Thanks for leading God's people to do what they were created to do.

Who are you imitating?  Find someone who is living the life that Christ calls us to and imitate them.