The English word "fake" started about 1775 from British criminal slang for something that is made to appear clean when it is not.

It is related to the English word "feign" which is from the Middle English word "feynen" ≈ "feign" which is, through French, from the Latin word "fingere" ≈ "form, shape, invent". A cognate word from the Latin is the English word "fiction" .

The common meaning is that of a false appearance leading to a false perception. That is, deception. The English word "fake" is related to the German word "fegen" ≈ "sweep, polish".

In sports, a "fake" is a move that makes the opponent do something which can be used to advantage (by the person doing the fake).

In the military, a "feign" is used for the same idea. Sports fans (and announcers) appear to prefer the simpler word that means the same thing.

The English word "counterfeit" comes through Norman French from the old French word "contrefait" ≈ "counterfeit".

In general, to recognize a counterfeit (e.g., currency), one should study the original so that one can recognize any differences.

Note that modern printing technology has made it hard for humans to recognize well-done (but not legally well-done) counterfeit currency.

A "knock-off" is a product that is not the "authentic" product but something that looks somewhat like the original. The knock-off is usually of inferior quality and/or lower price. It is a "fake" or is it "authentic".

Example: Laundry detergent "Tids" in place of "Tide" using a similar color scheme and logo.

Suppose we consider a Rolex watch. A "knock-off" is a "fake" Rolex. The Rolex web site is at https://www.rolex.com.

• An imitation tries to look and feel like the real thing - usually at a much lower price
• An impersonation tries to both imitate the real thing and make you think (i.e., deceive) you into thinking that it is the real authentic thing.

This meaning of "knock-off" came from the idea that one would produce the work quickly from a previous meaning of stopping work for the day.

Paul says that we should "imitate" Christ in a transitive way.

The modern Greek word "μιμείται" (mee-MEE-teh) ≈ "imitates, mimic" from which me get the English word "mime". A Greek "mime" would imitate or act out (i.e., as an actor).

The modern Greek word "μίμος" (MEE-mos) ≈ "mime".

The Latin word "imitator" ≈ "imitator, mimic" from which we get the English word "imitate".

Is Paul saying to follow in his footsteps?

Is an imitator one who follows in another's footsteps?

By the Middle Ages, the word had become "follower".

• The German word "Nachfolger" ≈ "follower" or, literally, one who follows after.
• The Middle English word "foleweris" ≈ "follower".

Aristotle wrote about the many ways in which words, including speech, can be used to deceive.

• You are to "imitate" Christ.

Some sermons focus on the "imitation" part. Let us rephrase the above.

• You are to "imitate" the "true" Christ.
• You are not to "imitate" a "false" Christ.

It does no good (and can be bad) to "imitate" a "false" Christ.

More: The taste of false teaching

Children learn by imitating, from a model (their parents, TV, school, etc.)

• Children tend to see what you do and do not hear what you say.
• Monkey see, monkey do.

Common quote: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

More: Song: Teach your children

More: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Teach your children

Be an imitator, but not an impersonator.

The Greek for "harm" is that of "bad" but, more specifically, "worthless" or "useless". The split is that of "good" and "not good" and not a split of "good" and "bad". The "not good" includes "worthless" or "useless".

Can imitation can be done without understanding what is being done?

Is this an important distinction? Why or why not?

One can imitate for nefarious purposes. Example: Simon the magician in Acts.

Counterfeit goods, or knock-offs, appear like the real thing, but are just an imitation.

What do we know about light?

How does one know if the light is the right light?

The name "Lucifer" comes from the Latin meaning "bearing light".

There are historical examples of false lights.

War times such as World War II are filled with examples of false lights to make the enemy think one thing or another.

Alexander the Great would use campfires at certain places to confuse the enemy.

So it would appear that we are to be imitators of Paul in the sense of following and imitating Paul's behavior and, in that sense, follow Christ, but we are not to become imitations of Christ to the extent that we become a false Christ in and of ourselves.

Some churches boast of the great work they have done for the community, without mention of any preaching of the "Good News" or other Christian connection.

Some churches spend hard-earned wealth for secular efforts such as "feeding the starving children". Will they hear the "Good News"? What is the best use of limited funds?

Some may say that they are carrying the light to the world. The name "Lucifer" means "carrying light" so one must be careful as to the light one is carrying.

The Latin word "lucifer" ≈ "bearer of light, lucifer".

The Latin word "lucifer" ≈ "bearer of light, lucifer".

The modern Greek word "φως" (fos) ≈ "light" . The English word and chemical element "phosphorus" comes from the ancient Greek word "φωσφόρος" ≈ "bearer of light" whose suffix comes from the ancient Greek word "φέρω" ≈ "bear, carry".

More: Lucifer as a bearer of light