Picture a toddler in the kitchen, wooden spoon in hand, mimicking their parent’s every move as they make dinner. In the exaggerated stirring motions, the child’s dedication to copying each detail is both amusing and profound. This instinctive inclination to imitate, whether in the kitchen, on a playground, or in a classroom, isn’t limited to childhood. We see it in fashion trends, viral challenges on social media, and in the way we adopt the mannerisms of our closest friends. This fundamental human tendency to imitate suggests something significant: we have an innate capacity and inclination to mirror those we admire. But what shapes this instinct, and where should we direct it? These questions lie at the heart of this exploration.
What Is Imitation?
When we first think of imitation, we often picture simple acts of mimicry: a modern painter recreating a masterpiece, or an athlete studying and replicating their sports idol. Oxford Languages defines imitation as “the action of using someone or something as a model” [1]. Often, imitation consists of identifying and closely adapting certain aspects of the model. I remember watching game tapes of different NBA players right before my high school basketball game, following every move and attempting to execute what I saw later that day. Even if my skills didn’t reach a professional level, I felt that imitating the expert’s skills would help me grow closer to who they were on the court.
But imitation isn’t just something we choose to do in specific moments—it’s fundamental to how we learn and develop from an early age. Research on preschoolers’ playtime highlights how imitation plays a crucial role in cognitive and social growth: “Like pure play behavior, imitative behavior is also emphasized for its important role in cognitive and social development [25]” [2]. From childhood to adulthood, we are constantly mirroring others, whether consciously or unconsciously. Given how deeply imitation shapes us, it raises an important question: Who—or what—should be the focus of this instinct?
Seeking an Example
Our desire to imitate warrants someone to imitate. As we form an idea of who we want to be in the world, we naturally gravitate toward role models who embody our ideal traits, values, or achievements. When I was younger, I was fascinated with dinosaurs, so naturally, I was passionate about learning from zoologists and museum workers. I distinctly remember when, despite my timidity—and my fear of talking to strangers—I had a long conversation with an experienced museum staff member. We thoroughly discussed the types of dinosaurs from the Triassic period, analyzing the different features of the creatures from that era. This museum worker was an expert who modeled what it looked like to pursue knowledge in a field we shared a love for—I was more than eager to learn from them. Going forward, whenever I had a chance to speak with a role model, I took it. I came out of those conversations feeling inspired, and when I spotted the same museum worker on TV later that month, it was a thrilling confirmation that I had learned from someone truly remarkable. My zeal for dinosaurs only increased from this interaction.
Perhaps the most critical aspect of imitation, then, is selecting who to imitate. Not every model, idea, or person should be emulated, and not every example points us toward genuine growth. The qualities we choose to imitate directly shape who we become. This raises important questions: Are we imitating what aligns with our deepest values (or convictions?)? And are we discerning enough to recognize authentic excellence when we see it?
Beyond Human Examples
While human role models provide accessible and tangible examples, many philosophical and spiritual traditions emphasize looking beyond individuals to imitate ideals or principles [4]. Said traditions often promote virtues such as wisdom, compassion, courage, or justice—qualities considered worthy of adoption. This perspective shifts the focus from who we imitate to what qualities we seek to cultivate through modeling. It suggests that the highest form of imitation aspires toward ideals that transcend any single person—ideals pointing toward something greater than ourselves. In imitating a higher form, we are called to a more expansive understanding of our potential and purpose. Pursuing these transcendent values moves us beyond mere self-improvement toward a vision of human flourishing. It compels us to embrace our interconnectedness with others and take responsibility for contributing positively to the world around us. Take compassion as an example. While most of us experience feelings of empathy or kindness regularly, understanding why compassion arises can be more complex. Anthropologist Alan Fiske studied this phenomenon and identified a concept he calls kama muta, which he describes as the sudden feeling of being moved by love or social connection. In an interview with journalist David Robson, he explained, “Kama muta enhances our commitment to our relationships and encourages us to act with greater compassion and kindness” [3]. Most of us have likely experienced kama muta, even if we didn’t have a name for it. We feel empathy for others, and we often are moved to show kindness in ways both small and significant. While kama muta seems like an ideal solution to fixing many problems in the world, a mere look at the news seems to prove this wrong. Many of us long to have empathy as an immediate instinct, and yet, there is so much to be angry about. Empathy only carries one so far—what is true human flourishing?
A Compassionate Creator
In my search for a role model—someone who exhibits the virtues and principles I aspire to have—one figure stood apart from all others. The answer was simple yet profound: God my Creator. Never have I found, nor do I believe I will ever find, anyone who demonstrates as much compassion as God the Creator, who desired a relationship with me, as demonstrated in John 3:16 [6]. The more I learned about God’s character through reading the Bible and being in community in the church, the more I did what anyone would do upon discovering the perfect role model: I strove to imitate Him as closely as possible.
It has been obvious that Christians have not always reflected God well. Horrible things have been carried out in the name of religion, staining and tainting the reputation of God. True Christianity however, is rooted in a God that has an image independent from humans, a God that is infinitely compassionate to all, including those affected negatively by His people or followers. I think that we all yearn for an example of goodness that calls us to greater action and imitation. It is valuable to ask ourselves: What shapes us and who we are trying to be?
Never have I found, nor do I believe I will ever find, anyone who demonstrates as much compassion as God the Creator, who desired a relationship with me, as demonstrated in John 3:16.
In the midst of imperfect representations of who God is, I find solace in reading the Bible with my church members or mentors back home. Psalm 103:8 captures God’s character beautifully: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” [5]. These qualities—mercy, grace, patience, and steadfast love—are consistently tied to the person of God throughout the Bible and have become the foundation of how I strive to live and interact with others. Another one of the clearest ways I strive to imitate God is through forgiveness. When I let go of resentment and offer grace, even when it’s difficult, I am reminded of the mercy God extends to me daily. It is through God’s compassion, clearly expressed throughout the Bible and in my own experience that truly motivated me to reflect His character in my life.
When I let go of resentment and offer grace, even when it’s difficult, I am reminded of the mercy God extends to me daily.
Our Relationships
Desiring to imitate a compassionate Creator is one thing; actually practicing that compassion in daily life is another—and far more challenging. When Christians truly understand that each person we encounter is made in God’s image, immediately granting them dignity and respect, their interactions take on new significance. This perspective challenges me to extend grace by withholding judgment, responding with patience, and seeking understanding even in moments of conflict or disagreement. My small yet intentional shift in perspective represents the practical application of godly imitation in everyday life. And this challenge is not exclusive to Christians. It becomes both deeply challenging, whether one is a Christian or not, to extend compassion to others—especially when it’s deemed undeserved. There is no denying that, often, I sense my arrogance creep in, tempting me to disregard what others are going through. However, I am constantly reminded of the One I seek to imitate, and that reminder gives me the strength to reflect His compassion. Though I know I will never completely live up to this example, I have come to believe that striving toward it is both necessary and transformative.
Another powerful expression of divine imitation lies in how we engage across differences. When we encounter people whose beliefs, backgrounds, or values diverge dramatically from our own, particularly on a diverse campus like Vanderbilt where encounters with different perspectives are part of daily life, we are presented with an opportunity to demonstrate genuine compassion. This does not require abandoning our convictions; rather, it calls for approaching differences with curiosity rather than condemnation, and a willingness to seek understanding before passing judgment. Extending compassion across these divides often demands humility, patience, and a recognition of our shared humanity—qualities that, while difficult to practice, reflect the heart of greater love. Perhaps the most challenging is extending compassion to those who have hurt us. Forgiveness, which God models perfectly for me, represents one of the clearest and most difficult reflections of divine character in human relationships. When we choose to forgive, we are not denying the reality of hurt, nor are we annulling the natural consequences of wrongdoing. Rather, we are making a conscious decision to release the burden of resentment and to break the destructive cycle of retaliation.
In practicing this divine imitation, I have discovered something remarkable: I become more fully who I was created to be. The qualities I am called to imitate aren’t foreign impositions but rather the fulfillment of the imitation of my Creator. If we can reflect divine compassion in our daily interactions, we participate in a beautiful transformation cycle, maybe even creating an environment of compassion in our own approaches. Just as a toddler in the kitchen, wooden spoon in hand, mimics their parents with such dedication and joy, so too have I learned to reflect the traits and character of the One who made me by cultivating compassion. My hope is that we draw others into this journey, cultivating a culture of compassion, and maybe even understanding who we should imitate in our lives.
By Anderson Park, Contributor
Anderson Park is a sophomore from Los Angeles, California. He is studying Human and Organizational Development and Data Science, and can often be found watching or playing sports. He is passionate about the importance of fellowship and writing about our walk as believers.
References
- Oxford Languages (2025).
- Francesca Giovanna, M. G., Longobardi, C., Fabris, M. A., & Mastrokoukou, S. (2024). Development of the Checklist for Imitation, Exploration and Imagination Behaviour for Play Observation in Preschool Age. Education Sciences, 14(8), 896. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14080896
- David Robson. The Guardian. (2024, October 26). Kama muta: The powerful emotion you didn’t know you had. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/26/kama-muta-the-powerful-emotion-you-didnt-know-you-had
- Philosophy Institute. (2023, October 5). Virtues in Asian religions: Cultural insights. https://philosophy.institute/ethics/virtues-asian-religions-culture-insights/
- Psalm 103:8 ESV
- John 3:16, ESV: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.“