"Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ."
So said Paul to the Christians at Corinth (1 CR 11:1). It seems God prefers and expects the children's game, i.e., "Follow the Leader," much more than the Star Trek theme, i.e., "to boldly go where no man has gone before." I fear the latter is more popular than the former in many quarters in 2021. But that's another article for another time.
Paul assumes that we're in this together...that there are others who are following the same Biblical pattern as we are. He assumes there are spiritual footprints that mark the way; that Christ and the apostles left examples and teaching that, when followed, keep us from stumbling.
Some are ahead of us in this walk; they're older, wiser, more experienced. Empty- nesters, veteran teachers, experienced lead- ers...there is much to learn from those who've walked where we haven't.
Some are behind us in this walk. There will always be some, because of youth or inexperience, who will look to you for an example of how to deal with success or disappointment or toddlers or teenagers. Someone is always looking to you and following your example. When they do, where will you lead them?
Who are your spiritual heroes? What is it about them that you admire? What is it about their walk, attitudes, words, choices, and engagement in the kingdom that impresses you? And have you ever thought that your name might well be on someone's similar list?
Doesn't it make sense that if you "imitate" what faithful and strong Christians do, you'll be faithful and strong? But, too, if you "imitate" what weak or critical or lukewarm Christians do you'll be weak or critical or lukewarm?
More than just "going to church" on Sunday, what are the strong and righteous doing? What do they do at work to stay strong and righteous? What do they read? What shows do they watch? What do they do in their spare time? What do they do to stay connected to God? What do they do to stay connected to their church family? If you don't know, find out. Have lunch with a spiritual giant and ask them.
"Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ." Do what Christ did. Do what His apostles did. Do what righteous, spiritual, heroes who are following Christ and the apostles do. Do what the strong do and you'll be strong. We need to look to others. And remember, others will be looking to you, too.
