“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Pph. 4:8-9). Paul’s words are striking because they are something we should all purposely say to anyone we know. But what would the point be if we don’t exemplify what we want them to follow our lead in? This man who had once persecuted the church was now a changed man. So changed, in fact, that he could confidently tell people to imitate him. When reading this, one may be tempted to think this is the only time he utters those words, but that is not the case. Paul did so in his epistle to the troubled church in Corinth. 1Co. 11:1, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
To the church in Thessalonica, he said the following: “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (1Th. 1:6). In this verse, Paul commends the Thessalonians for imitating him and the Lord in their faithfulness despite facing affliction. In his second epistle to that church, he reminds them to continue to follow his example of hard work and self-sufficiency. 2Th. 3:7-9, “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.” He wanted them to work and provide for themselves just as he and his friends did.
Even the Philippian church heard those words in Php. 3:17, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Notice that in the last example, Paul includes others who are similarly excellent examples. We are surrounded by people who live their Christian lives in accordance with the scriptures. They display all the characteristics we all should strive to follow. But, we ourselves should be the epitome of Godly living for others to follow. Is it easy to do that? Absolutely not! But is it worth it? Absolutely! Our behavior could easily affect the mood of those around us.
Imitate Paul as he imitates Christ, and peace and harmony will surely follow. But, if we do not exemplify Christian living, we depress the harmony and invite disunity into the fellowship. We don’t want to be known as “that” person – the one no one wants to be around because they act more like the world than Christ. When we are not in their company, do they have good things to say about us? Things like, “Don’t you think they are a Christian example to others? I never leave his presence without feeling encouraged and motivated to do better myself.” Or do they say something like, “Wow, hard to believe they are a Christian? Their pretend act is so easy to see through.”
At least we know how not to be. In Mat. 5:16, we are told the following, “…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” When we think of Paul, there is no doubt in our minds that he did precisely that—not only him but all the faithful apostles of the New Testament. Those are the faithful servants of Christ we are called upon to imitate: them and the people around us who already do so. If you are still unsure about what exactly Paul and the other examples produce in their lives that we are supposed to emulate, read the previous verse to our selection today.
Php. 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Don’t just read and learn the teachings of the Bible. Put them into practice in tangible ways that will glorify God. Let your speech and conduct be active, not passive faith; then the peace of God will be with you and those who follow your example. In other words, have the kind of faith worthy of following.
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