Be Imitators of Me

1 Cor. 11:1
    Would you be willing to, right now, look at a group of young Christians and utter the words, “Be imitators of me…” (1 Cor. 11:1)? We see that Paul repeatedly said this or something similar, 1 Cor. 4:16, Phil. 3:17.  However, there is a caveat. “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” Paul was telling Christians to imitate him as he imitates Christ, not imitate just him wholly. The Hebrew writer is explicitly clear that Christ is the better sacrifice and our example (Heb. 8:1-5) and therefore the mediator of a better covenant, the New Testament (Heb. 8:6-7). This can be done because there has been a pattern left for us (Phil. 3:17). When we become obedient, Jesus becomes the source of our eternal salvation (Heb. 5:8). This obedience must be sincere and conform to the form of teaching that is the Bible (Rom. 6:17-18). How could Paul have such confidence to say something like, “Be imitators of me” (1 Cor. 4:16)? Because Paul had become obedient to Jesus, through the form of teaching that is the gospel plan of salvation (Acts 22:16) and was no longer conformed to the world but transformed into that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Rom. 12:2). All Christians should have the boldness to say the same. But, often we can not because we know that we are not walking in the light as we should (1 John 1:5-10). If you do not have the boldness to look at someone and say that they should be imitating you, then rethink your priorities, because Jesus tells us, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16). I love you all!

In His service,
Steven Hugley