Imitators

As Paul teaches the church in Corinth how to live lives fully surrendered to God, he makes a bold statement. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” It is not a statement of arrogance, or a claim of perfection. Paul is expressing a truth that is prevalent in the Bible. God is the source of all that is good and right and true. Jesus is God in the flesh. He showed us how to walk and live with God. Paul is teaching the believers in Corinth that when God transforms His people, they look like Jesus. Paul has experienced transformation. The persecutor of the church is now the apostle to the Gentiles. All that is good, right, and true in Paul’s life comes from his relationship with Jesus. Jesus shines in Paul just as He shines in all His people. We are supposed to be imitators of Christ, just like Paul. Paul invites all who see Him to see Jesus and His influence in those who walk with Him, and then to surrender ourselves to the same transformation. To become imitators of Jesus.