1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Paul makes a bold statement here in this verse. He challenges himself and his readers to follow. We all are leaders and followers. The important fact is who we are following. Paul says that they are to follow him, because he is following the Lord. I am glad that the Lord has placed some flesh and blood examples of what the Christian life looks like lived out along my path. Very early in my Christian walk I had some of the most godly people around me. They challenged me. They were not afraid to call me on the carpet when I was compromising. But even more than that, they lived godly lives. I knew they were seeking His face. I could see it in their faces. Their lives inspired me. I could see the love of Jesus in and through them. They genuinely cared about me and what happened in my life. They were willing to open up their lives and allow me in. I had the privilege of seeing their consistency. One couple, Darrell and Dosha Delozier, were like second parents. He was a retired Air Force officer who chose to live in Germany and reach out to the military in the name of Jesus. I ate in their home. I would help cook and clean. We prayed and studied the Word. We worshipped together. Do you have someone in your life that you get to watch and observe their Christian walk? I hope so. We all need someone to follow. We ultimately need to follow Christ, but having someone more mature walking slightly ahead of us makes it easier to find the path. When we drift a little bit, we can simply turn and see the other person and make a course correction by following them.
The Arnold Journey 