Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

In Romans Paul indicates that emulation can lead to salvation, a good thing. In Galatians emulations is listed with an unsavory list of character flaws which leads to denial into the kingdom of God. Now I have to ask which emulation leads to salvation and which to destruction?

If I act like a Christian, am I a Christian? Is emulating Christian actions the same as being a Christian? It is a difficult thing to talk about when only God knows for sure what is going on in the heart of a man. It may very well be that the emulating Christian might not even be aware that they are not saved. It could even be that they are saved and do not understand the difference between emulating Christ and being Christ.

Galatians 1:16 says God wants to reveal His Son in me. That does not mean I am Christ, only that He dwells in my heart and wants to be seen. No amount of emulation on my part reveals Christ in me. That is an act and not Christ revealed. Emulation sound like a human effort to make God appear just because we call on His name. Jesus Christ is Lord and we answer His call, not the other way around.

1 Timothy 1:5 The purpose of this order is to arouse the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a genuine faith. GNT

His love aroused is not an act, it is not an emulation.