Modeling Christ-Likeness

Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Cor 11:1)

I used to think it was arrogant of Paul to tell people to follow his example, as though he were perfect! But I realize now Paul was not claiming to be perfectly Christ-like. When he says “as” he is really saying “to the same degree.” Even so, I would never say what Paul said because I know my life is far from resembling the life of Christ. There are whole new levels of obedience to God beyond my personal experience – levels I’m sure Paul had walked in. And when I think about that, I realize the problem here is not Paul’s arrogance but my disobedience. If I presume to lead others, if I presume to teach, should I not be able to say, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ?” Lord, forgive me for my casual disobedience. There is so much at stake here. I hinder others from seeing you when I fail to follow your example. Teach me to be a faithful disciple like Paul. Amen.

Our Top Priority

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything – so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. (Titus 2:9-10)

If you were a slave you would think your top priority would be gaining your freedom. Paul is under no illusions about the hardships of slavery. Elsewhere (1 Cor 7:21) he tells slaves that if they have a chance to gain their freedom, they should do so. But Paul’s instruction here makes clear that the top priority of every slave should be to live in such a way that the Gospel becomes attractive to their master! Every other purpose in life, even one this pressing, is subordinated to the Great Commission. Paul instructs slaves that the salvation of those around them should be their top concern. How much more, then, should that be my greatest goal in life? At work, is my top concern to live such a godly life, to serve my bosses with such excellence, that they will be attracted to the Gospel? Lord, help me be that kind of employee.

Blameless and Pure

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life. (Phil 2:14-16a)

Everybody likes to gripe. At my office we complain about upper management – like probably a million other offices in the country. I gripe, too. And when I do I miss out on a wonderful opportunity to shine like a star in the universe. If I am just like everybody else, what good is it to the Kingdom? Those who daily walk in love, joy and peace stand out from the crowd. They earn a platform from which to be heard as they “hold out the word of life.” What does it do to my testimony when I gripe and complain like everyone else? My opportunity to be a testimony to Jesus Christ simply disappears. Lord, help me to shine like a star in the universe in my daily life, so I can hold out the word of life in a way that people will listen. Amen.