Carl’s Cogitations: Biblical Reflection on Life’s Pattern

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Last week we began looking at the pattern our life should mirror, focusing on those still living among us who labor so diligently at the profession of being a Christian. We should also look to the many great Bible figures who lived obedient lives in service to God. The host is too numerous to consider in this article but let us take Paul for an example.

In 1 Corinthians 4:17 he encourages the reader to follow his ways. He in fact was sending Timothy to Corinth for the purpose of reminding them of his ways. It should be noted that his ways, that Paul was talking about, were rooted in Christ. It should be further noted the consistency demonstrated by Paul’s statement “as I teach everywhere in every church.” Paul was consistent in the execution of his profession as a Christian and the pattern which he taught likewise reminded consistent every time and place he taught. Pointing to the fact that in Christ there is only one pattern to live by. This invariance in pattern holds true in every area of the Christian life; worship to God, personal conduct in every situation of life, and one’s attitude as a servant of God. God’s job description for a Christian does not change on an individual case by case basis nor is it negotiable. God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:11).

The greatest entity that any individual can emulate when it comes to being a Christian is of course Christ Himself. He set the pattern by which every individual should conduct the business of their life. Peter reminds his readers in 1 Peter 2:21 that Christ “left us an example, that we should follow in His steps…”

Paul likewise, in Philippians 2:5-11 admonishes the reader to have the same attitude that Jesus had; one of humble obedient service to the will of God, even to the point of death. John also points to those who lay claim to abiding with Christ that they are to ‘walk just as He walked’ (1 John 2:6). Jesus the Christ Himself is by far the greatest of examples for any of us to strive to follow. He after all is the one whose name a Christian wears. It is His doctrine that the Christian studies and obeys. It is His gospel that contains God’s power for our salvation (Romans 1:16). Who else would we follow, why would we look towards anyone not sincerely and accurately following Him? Jesus Himself declared, as recorded in Matthew 11:28-30, that we could learn from Him. In this same passage He declares possession of two of the qualities we should be emulating in our lives; ‘I am meek and lowly in heart’.

For the sake of establishing the general nature and dimensions of the pattern our life should conform to consider the following three passages.

I. 1 Peter 2:22-23
A. Avoid sin at all costs.
B. Do not speak perverse things.
C. Do not insult other people.
D. Do not threaten other people.
E. Commit yourself fully to God.

II. Philippians 2:6-8
A. Be a servant in all ways to all people.
B. Humble yourself and be obedient to God, even if it cost you your life.

III. 1 John 2:3-5
A. Come to know God through the keeping of His commands.
B. Keep God’s Word and live such lives that God’s love is perfected in us.

Carefully consider the pattern of life that is expressed in these passages. It would be impossible to comprise a list of every possible situation that might occur in a Christian’s life and provide the exact proper response in the event of its occurrence; the variables are simply too enormous. But a pattern of behavior with specific trademarks that govern how an individual’s attitude, mindset, and outlook should be answers every what if. Consider the following words written by Paul.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things of good report, if there is virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

Take some time to consider the areas in your life where this pattern of behavior, this attitude, this Christ like approach to life is not being strongly applied. Determine how you will bolster its application in those areas. Pray about it and resolve to it.

Carl Hartman is the Minister at Lockney’s Main Street Church of Christ.

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