Remember your models
The 5 Verbs of Learning: Celebrate
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Philippians 3:17
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
I would like to discuss these key words for making disciples that stand out in the Epistle: example, model and imitate. Let’s observe how they are used in these passages:
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ… “
“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.…”
“You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers…”
Doesn’t this seem rather daring to expect believers to become examples, models and imitators to help others grow? Couldn’t we just transmit the information and hope for the best? If growing up in Jesus is so important, why did God pick normal people to have such a key role? Why did he pick us?
For Reflection:
- Celebrate someone who has been an example or model that you have imitated.
- How do you feel about being an example or model for others to imitate?
Make Life Count:
- Do something that someone else could imitate without drawing attention to yourself.
- Discuss your strongest and weakest area for being an example of a disciple for Jesus. What can you celebrate? What would you like to change?
Thirsty for More?
- Pick one of today’s verses to memorize.
Here is to nurturing relationships…
