Jesus pointed out, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). True spirituality and godliness are revealed by and in our actions. This will inevitably influence other people, and we are responsible for setting the example needed to encourage and uplift those with whom we come in contact. It seems we have a “natural” tendency to shy away from this responsibility and reality, but the Bible is clear in affirming that God holds us accountable for the example we set, even when we are not trying to set any example!
Paul commanded the Christians in Corinth, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). With much thankfulness, the apostle commended the disciples in Thessalonica with these words, “And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7). In the Greek text “imitate” is the noun mimetes, which refers to one who mimics another and intentionally imitates the actions of someone else.
The teaching and the example of Paul and his collaborators along with the afflictions they faced were the tools God used to produce spiritual growth and transform people. Imitation, according to the New Testament context, is not merely a matter of external conformity, but it is a change from the inside out by means of the application of biblical truth as seen in the life of the mature Christian leader.
“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (Hebrews 13:7). The real agent for effectively leading people is the recognition by others of the correctness of the lives of leaders. The word “outcome” refers to the result or the product of something intentionally pursued. In this biblical context, it is the manner of life that has made one an example to others. It refers to the way that leaders have centered their lives and their actions in the Word of God and how they are walking in the faith. In other words, the specific outcome of the conduct that has to be considered is Christ-likeness.
“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things” (Philippians 3:17-18). One clear sign of Christian leadership is the pursuit of holiness, a heart set on heavenly treasures and divine objectives (Philippians 3:8-14, 19-20). The mature leader will aim at letting go of the past and the previous pursuits and treasures, and he will set his vision on reaching forth to the goal of growth in Christ-likeness.
The Lord Jesus is our supreme example, goal and authority, and His Word authorizes the legitimacy of following godly people as examples. We need the godly examples of people who demonstrate the possibility and the reality of following Christ’s example and continually growing therein. It is highly motivational and inspirational to find men and women who have truly grown in their walks through faithful obedience to the Word of God. Let each of us strive to be Christian examples!
