Post 22: From Mimicry to Emulation—You Are Meant For More

Progress from mimicry to emulation, moving from reflection to radiance. Discover how emulating Christ prepares you to meet God face to face.

Christ does not call us merely to copy His ways, but to emulate His character and radiate His light through covenant discipleship.

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 those who reject both the form and the power of godliness. They may recognize fragments of truth, but ultimately choose fleeting pleasures over eternal progression.

Paul described them as “lovers of their own selves… lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” Though outwardly impressive, their lives are disconnected from God’s will.

Those who remain on this road inherit a degree of glory but cannot progress further, having rejected 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 strive to live according to His teachings. Like the moon reflecting the sun’s light, their lives reflect the goodness of Christ’s example.

This is the path of terrestrial glory, described in Doctrine and Covenants 76:75–79—honorable individuals who receive Christ’s testimony, but not fully in the flesh. They adopt the form of godliness while stopping short of its transforming power.

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines imitation as “to follow in manners; to copy in form, color, or quality.” These disciples live honorable lives and do much good, yet they do not fully access the covenant power that transforms and sanctifies.

You are meant for more than reflection. You are called to radiate.

The Road of Emulation—Celestial Glory

The third road is narrow, with only a few travelers. Yet the light here is unmistakable—it shines from the travelers themselves.

To emulate Christ is more than imitation. It is the desire to become like Him through a deep, covenant relationship. 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. They feast upon His word, take His yoke upon them, and live in such a way that His power flows through their lives.

Christ declared:

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me… and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Emulation is the path of becoming—of growing into the divine potential God sees in you.

An Invitation to Emulation

The choice stands before you. Will you remain in mimicry, settle for imitation, or step fully into emulation?

To emulate Christ is to know Him personally, to align your will with His, and to allow His character to be formed within you. It is to discover, develop, and consecrate your talents for His purposes and the building of Zion.

As you feast upon His word, pray with intent, and act with pure desire, His light will be revealed to you—line upon line, perfection upon perfection—until you are prepared to stand in His presence and receive all that God hath.

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Originally published December 14, 2024.