While we may not be familiar with the Greek noun, mimetes, or its verb root, mimeomai, we do know the English word that we have from these words – mimic. To mimic someone involves imitating their actions, their words, their attitudes, their inclinations, their mannerisms, their temperaments, etc. As long as he was mimicking Christ, Paul told early Christians to mimic him (1 Cor. 11:1; 4:16; cf. 2 Thess. 3:7-9; 1 Thess. 1:6). Christians are instructed to mimic the faith of their elders (Heb. 13:7). Copy their words, actions, attitudes, inclinations, etc.
In Ephesians 5:1, all of us are instructed to “be imitators of God as beloved children.” As children grow up imitating their beloved parents, children of God are to grow up imitating their beloved Father and His beloved Son – mimicking His words, actions, attitudes, inclinations, mannerisms, temperaments, etc.
When others look at you, do they see you alone or do they see the Lord through you?