When writing to the church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote, “I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.” (1 Corinthians 4:14-17)
What a bold statement “imitate ME”. Paul knew that the only thing that mattered in his life was following Jesus Christ, no matter what it cost him. He also further clarified that in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” Paul had such an amazing relationship with Christ that through the power of the Holy Spirit, he could honestly tell these people “imitate me!”
I wonder, what about our own lives? Do we live in such a manner that we can be confident in telling anyone else “imitate me”? However, the truth of reality is, people do imitate us and watch our lives. Especially if we claim to know Jesus. So, what kind of a role model are we presenting to others? Do we truly follow Jesus Christ, and can we tell others to follow us as we follow Him? That should be the daily goal of our lives – to be more and more like our Master, so that we in turn may point others to Him as well.