“Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:16-17).
Be an imitator of Paul if you are unable to begin being an imitator of Jesus. But ultimately, be an imitator of Jesus, for Scripture tells us that we will be like Christ. The point is to learn and grow, preparing for the eternity into which you are being guided by the power and grace of Christ. In Him is the true hope into which you were baptized. We need all the help that has been given.
Lord this is an age that believes we are fine just as we are: clean up a little and then live life. Help me to see the greater purpose that I may pursue preparation for the eternity that You have promised. Guide me in Your goodness to daily increase in Christ-likeness whether it be by imitation of another faithful person, under the tutelage of a mentor or by simply following Christ.
Lord Jesus, You are the model of the godly life. Help me, I pray, to see that in You is the hope of glory. Guide me according to the Father’s will to walk today and every day with my eyes upon those things which are right and fitting and help me to not compromise. Grow in me the character You know I need to possess that I may fulfil Your will on earth as I shall in heaven. Amen.
