MONDAY, OCTOBER 29
1 Corinthians 11:1
Philippians 3:17

“Be ye followers of me,
even as I also am of Christ.”

FOLLOW ME!

There is a popular saying, “Do not follow me. Follow Christ.” This saying is most unbiblical, for all Christians are expected to be models of Christ-likeness as witnesses for Christ. Every one of us is to be the salt of the earth, and the light of the world (Matt 5:13-16).

In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the Apostle Paul taught the Corinthian Christians to follow him as he followed Christ. The Greek verb for “follow” is where we get the English word “mimic.” In other words, Paul was asking the Corinthian Christians to mimic or copy his conduct. Of course, Paul must first be following Christ before he could tell others to follow him. Otherwise, it would be a disaster!

First, leaders in churches must be prepared for others to follow them. The first person to set the example is the pastor. In the First Epistle to Timothy, Paul exhorted Timothy not only to diligently teach the Word of God, but also to “be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim 4:12). Otherwise, the preaching of Timothy would fall on deaf ears.

However, there are some who expect only the leaders of the church to be examples of holiness, and do not apply the same standards to themselves. But 1 Corinthians 11:1 exhorts all to mimic the example of Christ! Therefore, it is a duty of all Christians to be godly in their conduct and point others to Christ.

In Philippians 3:17, Paul wrote: “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” Paul directed believers not only to follow him, but also others who were walking after the example of Christ. One of these men was Epaphroditus who humbly ministered to the needs of Paul until he was nigh unto death. If you walk close to Christ, God can use you mightily to point others to the way of righteousness.

THOUGHT: Can others see Christ in me?
PRAYER: Lord, help me to be more like Christ.