Follow the Leader - December 4

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

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, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

Reflect

Are you more of a leader or a follower? Why is it important to be both in different seasons of life?

Some say “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Does that hold true when it comes to spiritual matters?

It turns out, the Bible doesn’t discourage imitation. In fact, the Bible encourages it! In today’s verses, Paul spoke highly of the Thessalonians for imitating Silas, Timothy, and himself and for imitating the Lord. But the Thessalonians weren’t copying their art projects, of course. They were emulating their faith and their conduct.

Today’s verse isn’t the only place where Paul urged imitation. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul wrote: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” In Ephesians 5:1, Paul said to “be imitators of God, as beloved children.” The author of Hebrews urged readers: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).

Over and over, Scripture tells us exactly who our role models should be. First and foremost, we are supposed to imitate Christ. Second, we are supposed to imitate Christian leaders who are also imitating Christ. We should try to copy Jesus’ sacrificial love and his willingness to suffer for others. We should emulate the apostles, like Paul and Peter, who received the Gospel and shared it with great joy, rejoicing even in their suffering for Christ (Romans 5:3, 1 Peter 4:13). It’s important to note, though, that when we imitate Christ and His disciples, we can count on facing trials and afflictions similar to the ones they experienced.

Plus, when we follow the Leader, our Lord, we shouldn’t be surprised if others begin to imitate us! We become Christian leaders when we’ve been faithful Christ followers. That is what happened with the church at Thessalonica. First, they imitated Paul, Silas, and Timothy who were imitating Christ. Then, the Thessalonian believers became examples to all of the other believers in Macedonia and Achaia. First, they followed. Then, they led.

If you think about it, we play the imitation game to learn how to do almost everything in life. Kids learn to tie shoes because someone shows them how and they copy the process. We learn how to cook by watching someone who knows their way around a kitchen. We copy recipes more often than we make up our own. We learn a new dance by imitating someone demonstrating the steps.

If you want to learn how to be a Christ follower, follow the Leader step-by-step. Jesus is our ultimate role model and the best example for us to emulate. We can also learn a lot about godly living and living for Christ by watching other believers who are joyfully living in obedience to Christ and loving as He loved, even in the face of affliction.

Respond

Lord, thank You for Your perfect example. Help me to follow You step-by-step. Show me how to be a godly example to other believers as well. I want to be a model of what it means to live for You. Amen.

Reveal

Who is watching you? How are you revealing Christ to those who look up to you?