1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Who is your Paul? Who is your real world example of your desired faith? We often tell teens they become who they surround themselves with. The same is true for adults. Sometimes the life of Christ can seem so distant and foreign. He is God, but also a historic figure who we can no longer see and talk to in the personal sense. It is for this reason we need someone who can stand in His stead, representing the virtues and challenges of our risen savior. Paul had earned spiritual currency as a man who has been persecuted and remained steadfast. The Church could trust him. They had confidence in following him because they knew who he was following and it was costing him greatly.
Today, we look for more Paul’s. We look for those people who have lived out their faith in ways unmatched. I fear the modern Church has gotten away from this need for life to life discipleship. More than likely, the people with this admirable faith are the humble souls in the back pew instead of the showmen at center stage. While Paul was at the center of the Christian world, our examples are more hidden. Our faith is only as strong as our desire to pursue those who are farther along than we are. The call of Christ is in the direction of community because God himself exists in the holy community of the trinity. We must have the social courage to admit we need help and walk across the row to someone who we admire enough to emulate.
We can’t do this on our own.
Lord, bring us examples to admire and learn from. Teach us through our circle of faith to grow, learn, and thrive. We are desperate for you. Have grace on us.
Matt simon blog 