Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own…Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. (Philippians 3:12, 17 ESV)
In today’s self-centered, narcissistic society, this statement would be viewed as incredibly arrogant. Who are you to say that we should follow your example?!!?
The prevailing philosophy is that I am the center of my own universe. I control my own universe. I am the best for my universe.
Simply because someone has had an experience from which I might benefit, is no indication that I should consider their results.
There was a series of jokes going around when I was in high school that always ended with, “Mother, please! I’d rather do it myself.”
It is no longer a joke. Rather, it is the reality.
Sadly, this worldly way of thinking has infiltrated the Church.
However, I am not as concerned about it being in the pew as much as I am about it being in the pulpit.
There are few godly men and women who are willing to say, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
That is a scary place to be. It is a scary place to put oneself–especially with all the dire warnings against being placed on a pedestal. Why would anyone place themselves high enough to be emulated?
We’ve all seen many toppled from a high and lofty place in ministry. Now we avoid it.
In this age of calling many by the term “hero” who are not, could it be that the world is actually bereft of any real heroes to imitate?
Rather than shrink from the calling, stand up, go forward, and allow yourself to be a standard to which others will want to look. And do not be reluctant to say so.
And find someone to whom you can look for imitation.
NOTE: This is the third in a weekly posting on the Epistle to the Philippians. I am not the only one who is writing on this book. There are others who will be posting something on their blog each day of the week. We are each bringing something that the Lord gives us from chapter three of the epistle. You will be greatly blessed and encouraged, and your heart will be filled if you will take the time to read each day’s posting from one of the other saints involved in this collective effort. Put the following link in your “favorites” or on your link bar at the top of your browser: http://www.philter48.com/bbs/ and make it a point to visit everyday.
Practical Bible Teaching 
To look to a human as an example of a Christ like life is OK, if you understand that person can and does fail daily in there walk.
We must fix our eyes on the true example who does not fail. The author and perfecter of our faith. He is the true living example, we can only work as the church to mimic Him.
Peace and love Bro
P.S. Thank you for your dedication to the Blogged Bible Study. I do read them all, even though I may not comment. Your straight forward writing blesses me every time.
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Thank you for the flowers.
And thanks for the balance. I meant to place this thought up there with the idea about the pedestal; but since your comment says it so well, I’ll just leave it here.
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“That is a scary place to be. It is a scary place to put oneself–especially with all the dire warnings against being placed on a pedestal. Why would anyone place themselves high enough to be emulated?
We’ve all seen many toppled from a high and lofty place in ministry. Now we avoid it.”
The historical place of leadership in “churchianity” we are better off to avoid it!
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7
“bond-servant” – no pedestals there!
Our office is housed in an old church building. The congregation folded, and turned the dinosaur over to our organization. Out back, there is a gated alleyway with a sign that reads: “Church Garbage Only”. My friend Bill commented: “Underneath the sign it should read: ’Church leadership, deacons, elders, etc.’.”
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