1 Corinthians 11:1- "Pattern yourselves after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah). (AMPC)

Other than Jesus Christ, who in your life is an example of someone who follows and imitates Christ? Is there someone who you have said, "when I grow up I want to be like them?" On the other hand are you walking with Christ to the point that you could say like Paul, "you follow my example as I follow the example of Christ?

Paul was a man who had a faith that was bold and powerful. Paul was not ashamed of sharing his faith with others no matter what the circumstances. He stood before both religious and political leaders, jailers and captains of ships, Roman authorities and religious zealots. He never waivered in sharing his faith in the face of persecution or death. He was one of the greatest apostles we read about in all of scripture.

How did Paul become so bold that no matter what was happening in his culture he stood and proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ? Acts 9 is the key, He had an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. This encounter with the living God changed the trajectory of his life. No longer was he a Pharisee among Pharisees, we was now an apostle to the gentiles.

Paul was determined to share his faith with everyone he met. He lived by Romans 1:16-"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." He wanted nothing more than to see those he met come into a relationship with Jesus. He desired to see people healed and restored so they could spend eternity with him. He had a passion for Christ and a burden for people. 

I want to follow someone like Paul. A person who is totally committed to following Jesus. Someone who has the kind of faith that anything is possible with Christ. The kind of person who can show us how to be like Jesus in a very practical way. 

Can we say to those around us, "follow our example of being a Christian?" "Watch me in my relationship with Christ and then imitate what you observe?" I don't know about you but I would have a hard time asking someone to do that. 

The big question is, "what would I have to do to be like Paul and honestly say, with Bold Faith, "Follow my example as I follow Christ's example?" The simple answer is having a daily encounter with person of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord, everyday we are with someone who needs to see an example of being a follower of Jesus. Help us be that person. Help us to love as Jesus loved, forgive as Jesus forgave, serve as Jesus served and give as Jesus gave. Help us have the Bold Faith to be like Paul and tell others to watch us as we follow Christ. Thank you Lord for helping us be that kind of person. In Jesus' Name, Amen!