RPG Adults
BE FOLLOWERS
LORD’S DAY, JUNE 4
Philippians 3:17
Ephesians 5:1-14
“Brethren, be followers
together of me…”
BE FOLLOWERS
In order to really know how to “walk by the same rule…mind the same thing” (Phil 3:16), it is certainly helpful to have godly examples around us that we can emulate. By ourselves, we may not always know what it means to be like Christ practically. Yes, God’s Word is our ultimate Guide, and there are many examples to be found within the Bible. At the same time, real-life examples around us are certainly also useful to have, for they are tangible, visible people we can see and learn from. Furthermore, they live in the present, and are contemporary testimonies showing us how to live a godly life in our time. Paul therefore exhorted the Philippians to be “followers together” (Phil 3:17, mimics) of him. He called upon them to examine his life, and insofar as he obeyed Christ, they were to follow him.
Of course, we do not have the Apostle Paul himself with us to mimic. That is why he also told them to “mark” (Phil 3:17, i.e. to look out for) anyone who also walked in like manner, with the same exemplary sort of life, and we are then to pattern our lives after them as well.
We should not underestimate the effects that godly examples can have on our lives. If we surround ourselves with godly people who have the right spiritual inclinations, then our lives will be rightly influenced to have the same desires, passions and hopes like them as well. On the flip side, if we surround ourselves with materialistic, carnal and sinful people, then we will learn to be like that as well.
We ought to ask ourselves: Who do we spend the most time with, and who are the ones who have the greatest influence in our lives? Our best friends should be found in the church, for these are the friends we shall have for eternity. These are the likeminded friends who will encourage us in our present walk and serve as positive examples in our lives. In turn, as we grow in the Lord, we must strive to be godly examples to those around us, such that we can exert a positive influence in their lives.
THOUGHT: Am I thankful for the godly influences in my life?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou guide me to respect and emulate the godly examples in my life.