As Christians, we know that our Lord Jesus should be our standard for how we live. I am grateful that we have the four Gospels that allow us to read about Him. I’m also thankful that we have the writings of Paul and other believers who describe the life and character of Christ and explain His teachings in practical ways that we can apply.
As blessed as we are to have these writings, wouldn’t it be nice to have a physical Christ-like role model whom we could see? Someone we could observe and imitate? For example, Paul tells the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul invited the Corinthians not only to observe His conduct, but to imitate him, for in doing so, they would be reflecting the teachings and conduct of Christ.
I find it interesting that it was Paul who wrote these words, and not Peter or John. Peter and John had the opportunity to learn directly from Jesus during His earthly ministry. They lived together with Him for more than three years. They saw how He ministered, prayed, performed miracles, dealt with people, and dealt with difficult situations. Paul, however, likely never met Jesus until after His death and resurrection. Yet, it is Paul who invites his readers to imitate his Christ-like example. If we accept and apply the teachings of Christ and the apostles, should we not also be able to say the same thing to those who observe us: imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ? Christ wants us to display His teachings through our example. This applies to every sphere of our lives.
It applies to our private sphere, namely at home around our family. Christian parents are called to train up their children in the ways of Christ and His kingdom (Proverbs 22:6). Children and youth won’t just listen to what their parents say, they will carefully examine their conduct to see that it matches their words. How many young people have left the church because of the divide they witnessed between what their parents professed to believe and how they actually lived?
Many Christians have families where certain loved ones are not yet serving the Lord. Peter encourages his readers that by consistently and faithfully living out the teachings of Christ, the possibility exists for them to draw their loved one to Christ through their example. He writes in 1 Peter 3:1-2, “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the Word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.” We must consistently imitate Christ, so that others can imitate our Christ-like example.
This also applies to our public spheres. Though Canada is seen as being a Christian country, I have not always felt welcome in public schools or places of work. I remember the mocking and ridicule I received as a young Christian working in the oilfield in Alberta. Once my colleagues found out that I was a Christian, they tried their utmost to make me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome at the workplace. However, as time went on and they saw that I was firm in my convictions and consistent in my conduct, they began to respect my beliefs. They even started asking me questions about my faith, which gave me an opportunity to share Jesus with them. Scripture says in 1 Peter 2:11-12, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” This also applies to students at school. Even young Christians are called to reflect Christ in all they do. Though Timothy was a younger believer, Paul writes to him in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Another area of the public sphere where we are called to lead by example is in the church. It is easy for us as Christians to let our guard down around like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ. We, however, ought not to forget that they too look to our conduct, attitudes and words as examples of what it means to live like Jesus. Paul often reminded his Christian readers that they should be careful not become a stumbling block to other Christians. They should consider the spiritual needs of other believers and place their needs before their own (1 Corinthians 10:24). They should also consider the areas that other Christians may be struggling in and avoid certain things as to not be a hindrance to them (1 Corinthians 8:7-13). Let us remember that no man is an island. The way we live will influence others within the body of Christ (Romans 14:7).
It’s also worth mentioning that Christ’s body is larger than the local church. When we as Christians faithfully and consistently live out the teachings of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, we become an encouragement to other believers who observe our lives. This will also demonstrate to Christ that we are ready for greater responsibilities within His work (Luke 16:10-11). I’m reminded of Daniel and his friends, who did their best in their youth to keep the commandments of God. Their faithfulness was rewarded with greater responsibilities within Babylon. Or consider Stephen and Philip, whose faithful service led to them being chosen as part of the seven who cared for the needs of the widows (Acts 6:1-6). Stephen went on to do “great wonders and signs among the people” for he was “full of faith and power” (Acts 6:8). Philip became a great evangelist in Samaria, “and the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did” (Acts 8:6).
Not everyone who calls themselves a child of God is worth imitating. As a matter of fact, Jesus had very serious words for the religious leaders of His time. He says of them in Matthew 23:1-3, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.” The scribes and the Pharisees were very religious in that they knew God’s Word and were quick to judge others who broke God’s law as they understood it, but they did not lead by example in living it out themselves. Christ desires that all His followers apply His teachings and allow His Gospel to transform their lives from the inside out. He also wants us to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we have the power to keep His commandments every day of our lives, no matter where we are. By living this kind of life, we will be able to say as Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
David Knelsen
Hamilton, Ontario
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