Our Scripture meditation is based on Philippians 3:17-18, part of the Epistle for next week.
[17] Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. [18] For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Since Lent is a season of reflection, take a moment to consider after whom you have modeled your life as a Christian.
In our passage, the Apostle Paul states we have clear choices in who we emulate. We can imitate godly people, such as the Apostle Paul. Or we can model our lives after those who walk as “enemies of the cross of Christ.”
Reflection is inspired by asking questions. Identify two or three of your behaviors. For example, consider how you do go about personal prayer. Look at how approach your workday. Review how you deal with conflict. Then answer the question, from whom did I learn these behaviors?
It is not unusual to find that we have both godly and ungodly influences. For example, we might learn to care for hurting neighbors from our parents or a deaconess from church. Yet we also might have learned to cut corners from at work from a family member or our first manager.
As redeemed children of God, we want to identify both the godly and ungodly influences in our lives. We then jettison the ungodly and embrace the godly.
It is worth noting that we can emulate both godly people in our lives and godly people we find in Scripture. While Jesus is first our Lord and Savior, we also pattern our lives after his life and teaching. There are so many additional people worthy of imitation in the Bible. I gravitate towards Joshua and Nehemiah, King Josiah and Epaphras.
Who in Scripture do you imitate? Who in the Bible could you start emulating?
Kevin Wilson 360 