Follow the example of Jesus
1 Corinthians 11:1(NIV) Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. Wow, what a statement by Paul, follow as I follow. Just think about this for a moment, what a bold statement. Making such a statement testifies to his position in Christ. Paul keeps himself accountable to others and Christ, inviting others to copy, follow, and imitate him.
By inviting others to follow him, he shares his secret, I follow the example of Christ. Let’s look at what other translations say:
(AMP) Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
(AMPC) Pattern yourselves after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).
(EXB) Follow my example [Imitate me], as I ·follow the example of [imitate] Christ.
(NTE) Copy me, just as I’m copying the Messiah.
In this verse, Paul urges the Corinthians to imitate him just as he seeks to follow the example of Christ. He sets himself up as a role model, someone who is striving to live in accordance with the example of Jesus. By following Paul’s example, the Corinthians can learn how to embody the principles of Christ in their own lives.
Jesus tells his disciples to imitate Him. John 13:15(AMPC) For I have given you this as an example, so that you should do [in your turn] what I have done to you.
1 Peter 2:21(NKJV) For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
So, what does it mean to imitate?
To imitate means to mimic, emulate, or follow the example or behaviour of someone else. It involves intentionally observing and replicating the actions, attitudes, or qualities of another person with the aim of adopting or incorporating those characteristics into one’s own life.
When it comes to imitating Jesus Christ, it means striving to model one’s thoughts, words, and actions after Jesus, His teachings, character, and lifestyle. It involves aligning our values, attitudes, and behaviour with the principles and values example of Jesus.
Imitating is an active process that requires conscious effort and intentionality. It involves studying Jesus’s life, teachings, and actions, and then applying those to our own life. The goal of imitation is to grow in wisdom, righteousness, and godliness, and to manifest the qualities and values that are desirable and pleasing to God.
By imitating Christ, we aim to become more like Jesus, reflecting His virtues, love, compassion, and obedience in our own lives. It is an ongoing journey of transformation and discipleship, seeking to conform one’s thoughts, words, and actions to the pattern set by the One being imitated.
Can you concur with Paul, by saying, follow my example as I follow the example of Christ? Let’s make it our life’s purpose to imitate Christ, being an example for others to follow.
I conclude with Philippians 4:8(NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.