Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)
Paul’s words to the Corinthians, while inspiring, also cause thoughts of inadequacy or unworthiness. “Follow me, or my example” is not a suggestion, but a command. We can feel the weight of responsibility. We may defer, or demure, while recounting our shortcomings in the times that we have failed.
We might be inclined to consider Paul as superhuman or super spiritual, but that would do a disservice to Paul’s own words. Paul recognized his shortcomings and knew of his dependence upon God’s mercy and strength. We must never think that we can be a good example by our own ability or determination.
As Christ-followers, especially those who have been appointed as pastors and leaders, setting the example of following Christ is not optional. Our doctrine and teaching (orthodoxy) must never be separated from the way we live our lives (orthopraxy).
Jesus warned people about the religious leaders of his day: So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. Matthew 23:3 (NLT). It is difficult to have credibility, even if we are teaching truth, if our conduct and behavior do not align with what we say and teach.
False teachers should rightfully be identified and repudiated. Heresy has certainly caused great damage to the cause of Christ down through the ages. However, we must not underestimate the harm that heretical living has caused to the propagation of the gospel message when hypocrisy has been exposed.
Sadly, as pastors and teachers, people will follow our examples whether or not we follow the example of Christ. We will be held to account for how we live.
It’s Not about (Our) Perfection
Indeed, we all make many mistakes. James 3:2 (NLT)
Though a righteous person falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin. Proverbs 24:16 (CSB)
It is understandable that we might have reservations about declaring to others that they should follow us, as we follow Christ. Jesus was the perfect, sinless Lamb of God, and we are not sinless or perfect. It almost seems arrogant to declare to someone else that they should follow our example. Yet that is precisely what Paul said to the Corinthians.
We must understand that it is not about our perfection. Paul confessed to the Philippians that he was not perfect. It is difficult, if not impossible, for fallen humanity to relate to perfection. We can urge others to follow our example, not because it is a perfect example, but because we get up after we fall.
People will see through us if we pretend to be something that we are not. And certainly God sees through us. As James said we stumble in many ways. A denial or an attempt to hide or cover up our failures is not what people need. If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8 (CSB)
Remember, it is easier to fool ourselves than it is to fool others. We are most effective at being an example for others when they can see how we respond to our own failure and sin. The great testimony of Job is that in his troubles he didn’t give up. See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome that the Lord brought about—the Lord is compassionate and merciful. James 5:11 (CSB)
Upward and Onward
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. Philippians 3:12 (NLT)
One of the worst things that we can do for others who are looking to us as an example is to give the impression that we have arrived. We ceased to be useful as an example when we stop pressing upward and onward.
We have a message that people need to hear. Our words will have the greatest impact when we live consistently with what we say. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Titus 2:7 (NLT)
We must press on to the very end because we do not want all of our work and effort to be undone by a failure to finish our race. When we stumble, we get back up and finish the race. Our eye is on the prize that awaits us. Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:36 (NLT)
When we grasp that we are to live our lives as examples, and that people are following us it will change our perspective on life. As Paul said to the Philippians: Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3–4 (NLT). Let us never give up and never quit.
For God’s Glory
My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. Psalm 71:7–8 (NLT)
We should live our lives in a way that brings honor and glory to God. Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1 (NLT). It is true that people will honor us when we live our lives as an example of following Christ, but we must be careful to give all the honor and glory to God. Even in our weakness and shortcomings, we keep moving forward and following Christ so that others can follow us with confidence.
Steve Ekeroth