1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” NASU

Of course, you can, but my real question is “Dare you make this appeal?”  Dare you make it in light of the ‘all knowing’ and ‘all seeing’ God of the Universe observing?  Dare you make it knowing your own heart?  Dare you make it with the flaws in your own vessel?  I truly hope that you say Yes but realize that many would probably be wise to take the path of caution.

Paul is telling those hearing him imitate me because or just as I imitate Jesus Christ. However, in keeping with the contextual interpretation of Scripture Paul is saying, ‘imitate me in the matter being discussed, just as I imitate Christ.’  But, I’m pressing this further and saying, ‘Dare we appeal to be to imitate us in life based on the truth and reality that we imitate Christ in life?’  That’s the issue for me today.  That’s the question in my heart and mind today.  That is the goal and objective of my life today.  I want to be able to appeal to people to follow and imitate me because or as a result of my complete dedication, following, and imitation of Jesus Christ.  I want them to truly see Jesus when they see me.

I never want to be one that says, “Do as I say not as I do.”  I do not want that to be the description of my life and attitude.  I want to be able to appeal to people both in the church, the family of God, and the lost to follow my life because when you do you will see a life that is following Christ without reservation or hesitation.  That should be the objective of each of our lives and thus we should be carefully examining our own hearts, lives, words, deeds, and actions daily to see if there is anything wanting in our lives and if there is run to the Cross.

Paul’s complete commitment to God is more than commendable it is a genuine example and a target that each of us should adopt as our life’s goal.  We never want to be a stumbling block or hindrance to anyone and it is imperative that we Always remember who we are, where we are, and whose we are.  If we do that many of the conflicts in our life will become minor rather than major and we will win people to the Lord Jesus through our lives which present and demonstrate Christ in a very real tangible way in this present world.

Therefore, as you go through your day go with the consciousness that God sees, and people see you so conduct yourself in that light.

May God be with you as you go through your day!