By Dean Collins
Sometimes you can tell who is related to whom just by watching how they walk, stand, or use certain gestures. Children learn a lot simply by watching how their parents do things. Have you noticed how grade-school and teenage athletes mimic the stances and behaviors of college and professional athletes they admire? It can range from cute to embarrassing when we see kids emulating what they observe others doing!
We learn in many different ways: by watching, reading, listening, researching, and, of course, doing. Often, when we see someone demonstrate the very thing we are trying to learn, we discover a technique or approach that opens the door to greater understanding and success.
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the apostle Paul urged the Corinthians to follow his example: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” I have often wondered whether I would have the courage to say that to students I teach or to the congregation where I serve. It is a pretty bold statement!
The last half of Paul’s sentence is helpful in understanding what he meant: “as I am of Christ.” Paul wasn’t saying, “Just do what I do.” Rather, he was saying to imitate him in the ways and to the extent that he was imitating the attitudes and behaviors of Christ. And, of course, the goal is to grow closer to Christ daily so that our words and actions reflect His love and grace to others.
It is also helpful to remember that when Paul wrote his letters to various people and churches, he did not include chapter and verse divisions. While these divisions are helpful when we are trying to locate specific passages, sometimes the chapter breaks keep us from seeing how a new chapter is intimately connected to the final thoughts of the previous one. This is definitely true of the ending of chapter 10 and the opening verse of chapter 11. Some scholars suggest that 11:1 both concludes a major section of Paul’s teaching and introduces the next section.
After addressing many challenges the church was facing, including divisions caused by disagreements over food and drink, Paul ended chapter 10 this way: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.”
Paul had outlined the freedom Christians have in how they live, particularly regarding Jewish traditions and the beliefs of those who worshiped idols. But he was also clear that, in order to reach others with the gospel, he was willing to give up certain freedoms so that his attitudes and actions would not become an obstacle to someone discovering Jesus.
When Paul then says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” there is a direct connection to his previous teaching. He was urging the church to do everything for the glory of God, including being willing to set aside personal freedoms so that Jesus might be seen and others might be saved.
Father, by the work of the Holy Spirit and through the Scriptures, help us discover what we need to set aside so that someone might see Jesus. Today, may whatever we say or do bring You glory. With all that we are, we seek to imitate Christ for the sake of others discovering life in Him. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
1 Corinthians 10:31–33, 11:1 ESV
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