In last week’s article we concluded exploring what life’s purpose is from the Christian perspective. While having a solid clear description of the profession (Christianity) that an individual will be pursuing is helpful, having a pattern or example to look to is an added bonus in understanding exactly how to properly perform the various elements involved.
Finding a good pattern or example to emulate is critical for success. I want to emphasize, ‘good pattern or example’ because following a bad one will not lead you to the ultimate destination you want to reach.
Take example from the normal professional environment; if someone wants to succeed at an endeavor, they normally find someone who has already succeeded at it and try to emulate their methods. Thus, the reason for apprenticeships, junior partners, internships, etc. If you want to be successful at a particular business, you find someone who has succeeded at that same business. If you want to be a great cook, you find someone who is already a great cook to teach you.
Individuals seeking to pursue the Christian profession, the Christian way of life, should apply the same rule as they strive to be “a workman that needs not be ashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15), one who is a useful servant in the Kingdom of God.
Who can an individual look to for a pattern of the life that one should live in Christ? One source that we can turn to is our fellow Christians who strive diligently toward the goal of our shared hope; especially those who are leaders and pillars of the Christian faith. Paul, as well as the writer of Hebrews, makes this recommendation in the following verses.
“Brethren, be co-imitators of my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” (Philippians 3:17)
“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith imitate, consider the outcome of their behavior.” (Hebrews 13:7)
Spend a few moments considering the individual Christians that serve at the congregation you attend; especially those who have the responsibility of shepherding the flock. Get out a pen and piece of paper and take time to highlight specific individuals and the traits from the chart in last week’s article that they emulate well. The purpose of this exercise is not to be judge or rate your fellow Christians against each other, but rather to identify individuals whose pattern you can look to as an example as suggested in the two passages above.
In next week’s article we will turn our attention to a few great Bible figures who lived obedient lives in service to God that can serve as a pattern for our lives today.
