1 Corinthians 11:1
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV
Taking the time to encourage other fellow believers is not something that we as Christians think about on a daily basis. Being involved in a church can sometimes include the very important act of needing to encourage others who are in ministry also. Paul had a skill of always taking the time to write to other church’s to encourage them to keep pressing on in their faith. Paul calls us to imitate him as he imitates Christ. To take it a step further, Paul is calling us to live the Christ life. To live the Christ life is not a matter of trying but of dying. In other words it is daily surrendering to the Spirit of Jesus and allowing Him to enable us to live like Christ lived. It is to allow the Spirit of Christ to live through us, daily giving us the desire and the power to live as Jesus lived while on earth as a Man It seems like such a simple idea when we first read this verse, but it has many layers. Imitation is an important concept taught in several places in the New Testament. We are told to imitate Christ, imitate mature believers, and to imitate faithful churches. We are also warned to be careful not to imitate evil, avoiding even the appearance of evil. We are counseled to shun evil companionship because it will corrupt good morals. While we are ultimately following after Christ, we all need human examples of Christianity to help guide us in the right direction. The Bible from Genesis to Revelation is filled with Godly leaders who lead by example. Whether it was Moses leading God’s people out of Egypt or Peter stepping out onto the waves, all were examples to those around them and continue to stand as Godly examples today. While no human example is perfect, this doesn’t mean we refuse to follow leadership. If a pastor, elder or deacon or lay person is following the Lord then look to them as an example and learn from them. There is a great blessing found in following after a man or woman of God, and as you imitate their life you may look back one day to see yourself being imitated. Charles Spurgeon once said that "A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. We should be pictures of Christ. Oh! My brothers and sisters there is nothing that can so advantage you, nothing can so prosper you, so assist you, so make you walk towards heaven rapidly, so keep your head upwards towards the sky, and your eyes radiant with glory, like the imitation of Jesus Christ. Whether we like it or not, someone is watching each and every one of us, and our lives are influencing them. Are we leading others closer to Jesus by what we say and do or farther away? I recently saw a bumper sticker on a car that said, Follow me to So-and-So Church. It made me want to ask the question, If someone follows you, will they end up at Jesus Christ!!!
Father thank You for this day and the breath of life found in an intentional intimate relationship with Christ. Lord open the storehouses of Your abundant blessings and pour them out over my friend and family today. Lord thank You for the Godly examples in our lives. Lord help us to learn from those around us who are seeking intimately after You. Lord as the disciples followed You, may we too seek to also follow Your every move, in turn become more like You. Lord thank You for the Holy Spirit who teaches and guides us to walk in step with You. Lord use my friend to be the light of Your love to all today. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
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