FOLLOW CHRIST

1 Corinthians 11:1

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Taking the time to encourage 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 also in ministry. Paul had a skill of always taking the time to write to other churches 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 Christ, we all need clear examples of what that means to help guide us in the right direction.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible 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 godly examples to those around them and continue to help us 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 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: "A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. We should be pictures of Christ. Oh! My brothers and sisters there is nothing so advantageous, nothing so able to prosper you, to assist you, to make you walk towards heaven rapidly, to keep your head upwards towards the sky and your eyes radiant with glory, as your efforts to imitate 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 further 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 friends 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 to imitate You. Lord, as the disciples followed You, may we too seek to follow Your every move, and 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 friends to be the light of Your love to all today.

Father, we love You. Amen.