LightGrams
July 27, 2023
Volume 27, Number 21
It’s not uncommon to hear of look-alike contests. Some of the most famous call for people who look like Elvis Presley or Dolly Parton. There’s another that recently took place in Key West, Florida. Just by mentioning the location you may have guessed I’m referring to Ernest Hemingway.
Hemingway was one of the most celebrated novelists of the 20th century. He wrote “The Sun Also Rises”, “A Farewell To Arms”, “For Whom The Bell Tolls”, and “The Old Man And The Sea”. In 1954 he was awarded the Nobel Prize, an author’s most coveted recognition of their work.
In his later years Hemingway adopted the “Papa” persona, which featured white hair and a closely trimmed beard. It’s how most of us recall this author upon hearing his name. 140 men who have taken on that appearance competed for the title of “Hemingway Look-Alike” winner for 2023.
Another famous author, Oscar Wilde, once remarked, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” If that be true, then 140 men paid high tribute to Papa of Key West.
The apostle Paul wrote two letters (perhaps more) to Christians in the city of Corinth. The first letter reveals various challenges they faced, and division was one of those challenges. Why should they listen to Paul? “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me” (1 Corinthians 4:15,16).
“Imitate me” is something I don’t believe I have ever seriously said to anyone. That is an audacious thing to say, for all of us have imperfections. Why would Paul make such a request? Later in that same letter he clarifies himself: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
It would not be wrong to say that the Christian’s goal in life is to look like Jesus. Here’s how Paul described it in Galatians 4:19: “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” He used words a mother might use of a child still in her womb. Her desire is to bring forth a child that has strong family features. That was Paul’s desire, too, to bear Christians who possessed the appearance and traits of the Son of God.
I don’t doubt that the contestants in Key West recently spent many hours grooming their appearance to match photos of Mr. Hemmingway. Whatever prize will be awarded to the winner will go the way of all trophies and cash. What prize awaits those who succeed (with God’s help) in making their lives look like Jesus? “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). The upward call of God will lift us to glory – eternal glory!
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2023, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “[email protected]” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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