Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. (1 Corinthians 4:16) 

 

We are masters at imitation. Whether we are copying someone else or they are copying us, we are continually being influenced and adapting our personality to the conformity of others. We may not realize that the things we do or wear or say are a result of imitating someone or something in our culture. 

 

Paul understands these issues when he says to the Corinthians “imitate me.” They were living in the world and enjoying being of the world. Paul knew that they needed a living example to follow. He became their example, a real person from whom to watch and to learn. Paul also knew that their only hope was in Jesus. He was the One they must ultimately learn to imitate. 

 

Second Corinthians 4:18 says that, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Our focus should only be on Jesus Christ our Savior. This world and all that is in it will someday be gone. Where will you be when this happens? Do you choose your friends wisely, those who set the example in Christ as Paul did? Or are you influenced more by the world’s temporary offerings, instead of Christ’s eternal promises? How accountable are you to set godly examples for those who are imitating you? Ask the Lord to help you become the role model and example that He wants you to be for others. His Holy Spirit will guide you in this role. 

 

When I read this devotion it made me stop and reflect on the example I’m setting in my own life. I pray I show more patience, love, forgiveness and understanding. We must be aware of the enemies devices to sift us as wheat, we must be aware of the example our actions and our words are setting for those who are watching, you may be the only Bible that others read. Ask yourself, what are they reading? Time is short, Matthew 24:37-39 says, But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Let us not be as the fool, eating and drinking, giving no thought to the importance of ones salvation and eternity. I pray we all have a stronger desire to be His servant. We must live each and every day to obey his commandments. My prayer today is that many are encouraged to seek God and ask The Holy Spirit to guide you in becoming the role model and example that He wants you to be. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

 

Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 

 

Today’s Reading is Hebrews 10:35