Phil. 3:17

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.

In another translation of this verse, Paul suggests that these Believers imitate his lifestyle.  That’s a pretty strong appeal, but Paul wasn’t saying to put him on a pedestal as the one true Believer they should follow.  Paul was not urging them to follow a personality, but to follow his example in striving to live a Christ-pleasing life.  In fact, he also encouraged these Believers at Philippi to follow the example of other Christ-followers who were striving to live for Christ.

How many of us could ask others to do what Paul asked?  If Paul were alive today, would you be one of the people he’d tell the Christ-followers at GFC to imitate?  That’s a pretty sobering thought, but it’s the kind of lifestyle we should live; one where others could be encouraged to follow our example.  If you don’t think you fit this description, what do you need to change in your life?  Would you be willing to make those changes with God’s help and live a life that is an example to others?  If so, why not pause right now and talk with God about this.   It’s evident from his life, that living this way brought Paul (and those who followed his example) a great deal of joy!