1 Cor 10:31-11:1 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. NKJV

Man’s purpose on earth is to glorify and praise God. Our manner of lives and our purpose is to bring glory to God. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 Paul stressed that we must do all to the glory of God, and not to offend Jews or Gentiles in matters that are matters of indifference. Paul’s manner of life was thinking constantly of others so that they may be saved.

Paul then challenges the Corinthians in a matter that continues to amaze me. He challenges them to imitate him. Often, when I have preached and looked at this passage I have stressed the last part of the verse, stressing that we are to imitate Christ. This is the true emphasis of the verse, but at the same time Paul is saying, “Look at me as an example of what to do.”

As Paul worked in preaching the gospel, he was an example to so many. I think of Timothy, whom he took under “his wing” and showed him how to live. It was a result of this intensive effort that Paul was able to say that he had no other man likeminded (Philippians 2:20). Timothy was then an example to others (2 Timothy 2:2) and helped others to do the same thing. How often do we see this today? How often do we see elders, preachers or deacons take anyone “under their wing,” and work with them, helping them to become better Christians?

As I look at so many of our younger people who leave the church (statistics state that 50-60% of our young people leave the church when they get out on their own), I ask myself “Could I have been a better example? Could I have encouraged some younger Christian brother to be more faithful by taking the time to help him?” And while I know the impact parents have, and will never minimize the impact of parents; at the same time should we all not be encouraging others daily?

My parents did not go to church when I was younger, and did not really encourage me to be a Christian. I am one today because some good brothers in Christ “took me under their wing” and encouraged me when I wanted to quit. I am grateful for the fact that someone cared enough to show me how to live the Christian life.

EVERY ONE OF US SHOULD BE LIVING A LIFE THAT CAN BE AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS IN THE LORD’S CHURCH. Those who are older should be encouraging those that are younger.

Can we say, as Paul, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ?” How many of us feel like we are living so close to God that we can be an example to others? I have some work to do—how about you?