What does the Bible say?
The King James Version of the New Testament provides two verses with the word emulation. While one is mentioned in Romans, the other is in Galatians, but each verse present two different meanings for emulation: one is productive, and the other is destructive. However, in this current era, emulation is accepted as, “An ardor kindled by the praise-worthy examples of others, inciting to imitate them, or equal or excel them.” Therefore, in this acceptance, emulation is the process of igniting an action to match or surpass another person’s achievements.
Productive Emulation
In the Book of Romans, the apostle Paul speaks to unbelieving and unlearned Gentiles and mentioned emulating to provoke or persuade that some might be saved. Paul’s intent for copying some ways of the Gentiles was to provoke them into competition or rivalry to obtain a desire for learning from him as he presented the teachings of Jesus Christ. The purpose of Paul’s actions was solely for gaining or winning the Gentiles to believe and follow God’s Way.
Emulation in this process is similar to teaching unlearned individuals or children. An elementary schoolteacher may present his or herself on the same level as elementary students to encourage or engage them to emulate a lesson that is taught such as the way to write alphabets displayed on a blackboard or flashcard. In most elementary school situations, children will gain a desire to write the alphabet exactly as presented by the teacher and may try to compete with one another to outdo each other.
Destructive Emulation
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, such like of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they that do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).
Emulation in Galatians chapter 5 is displayed as imitating actions without understanding the actual purposed and consequences. It is like applying statements such as, “When in Rome, do what the Romans do” or “Just Do It.” While many ancient Romans in leadership positions believed and worshipped many gods, their actions were not according to the Way God encouraged through Jesus Christ. Furthermore, while emulation is not mentioned in the Old Testament, the action was displayed through the descendants of Canaan. Noah cursed his grandson Canaan’s life because of Ham’s action. Noah cursed Canaan because he knew that he could not curse Ham who God had blessed.
As Canaan descendants multiplied in the land of Canaan, they emulated the action of Ham by looking upon each other’s nakedness. They became seared in their thinking and continued to pass down the action throughout generations. But according to God, that action was abominable. God’s anger was kindled, and He sought to rid the land of Canaan from the abomination, which led to fire and brimstone raining down on Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 13:10, 18:20, 19:1-24). God also promised the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants.
Although Canaan’s descendants were cursed, the good news is that through faith in Jesus Christ, God has given all people the opportunity to repent from abominable, wicked ways. Therefore, when reading several verses at the end of Galatians chapter 5, those who follow and accept Jesus Christ are guided by God’s Holy Spirit to walk or live their lives in God’s Righteous Spiritual Way.
Another destructive action of emulation is plagiarism. Contrary to emulating a praiseworthy action for learning and understanding, plagiarism is “an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language or thoughts of another without authorization and the representation of that author’s work as one’s own…” This type of emulation is representative of copying word for word or action for action, but when realized by the author, it will result into depressing situations.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).
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