Today, I would like us to explore together the meaning of a particular phrase.
This phrase was expressed by the apostle Paul to the church of Corinth.
The text is better explained as follows:
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1
I have always heard spiritual leaders say that our eyes should be on Jesus as our example of character and conduct.
I’ve heard them say that we shouldn’t have expectations of human beings because they can fall just like us.
That expression is completely true.
However, it is also true that the human mind is complex and often looks for close referents with which to compare itself with respect to the ideal to which it aspires.
We then observe the apparently daring comment of the apostle Paul.
In that comment, he asks the Corinthian church to imitate him, for he is imitating Christ.
So what does that phrase mean?
The apostle Paul loved the Lord and sought to do his will in everything.
Like all of us, he knew his human weakness very well because he expresses it in his letters to other churches.
However, we must understand that the apostle Paul, being a human being, was a spiritual leader as well.
As a spiritual leader and father in the faith of many, he was inevitably a referent for those to whom he preached the message of salvation.
Many of those who believed the gospel message had not had the privilege of knowing Jesus corporeally, yet they had met the apostle Paul, servant of Christ.
There is an element there that helps us to understand the idea.
I believe that an important application to be drawn from this text is the responsibility to lead God’s people.
From an objective point of view, leadership positions are positions of influence.
Those who exercise them, whether they or the brothers are conscious or not, become an example to the community of believers.
Like the Apostle, the duty of a leader, at all costs, must be to imitate Christ on a daily basis, because the church is observing his conduct and will imitate him.
Not only the church, but also his family.
Not only family but also friends.
Not only friends but also acquaintances.
At work.
Everywhere.
Being in a position of leadership, being a position of service, first of all, is also a position of influence.
The apostle Paul knew this.
He knew he had the duty, privilege, and responsibility to represent Christ before the people he ministered to.
The apostle took this duty seriously and knowing it he expresses those words to them.
Any opportunity for leadership is an opportunity and a responsibility to imitate Christ.
We all occupy a leadership position, anybody, however small, in which case we must keep that in mind.
If we seek to imitate Christ, then those who observe us will be blessed by our example and by our influence.
Then they will see him in our actions and in our way of being.
What do you think? Would you like to imitate Christ? What is your experience? Share in the comments.
A hug, God bless you.
