Philippians 3:17 - "Follow the Right Example"

Today we move on to the last section of Philippians chapter3. As we close this chapter, we want to focus specifically on verse 17, wherePaul writes: “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who sowalk, as you have us for a pattern.” NowPaul says, "Brethren, be followers together of me." At first,this might sound surprising. It almost sounds like Paul is being proud. But wehave just been reminded of what Paul said earlier: "Not as though I hadalready attained, either were already perfect." Paul knew he was stillgrowing. He was not asking believers to follow a perfect man. He was invitingthem to follow someone who was faithfully following Jesus Christ. Notice hesaid the same thing in 1 Corinthians 11:1: "Be ye followers of me, evenas I also am of Christ." In other words, Paul is saying, "Walkthe same path I am walking because I am following Jesus." Everyone of us needs godly examples. God never intended for us to grow in isolation.He places mature believers in our lives to encourage us, teach us, and show uswhat it looks like to live for Christ day by day. So Paul goes on to say,"And note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” Theword “note” (sometimes translated "mark") means toobserve carefully or to keep your eye on. We get our English word scope fromthe same Greek root. It means to fix your attention on someone. NoticePaul doesn't say to mark those who merely talk about Christ. He says to markthose who walk with Christ. Anyone can say the right words. Anyone can quoteBible verses. Anyone can appear spiritual for an hour on Sunday morning. Butthe true test of Christianity is a consistent walk with God. Our daily conductshould match our profession, and our character should support our testimony.Our lives should point people to Jesus. Oh,I am so thankful when I look back over the years of my life for the faithfulbelievers God placed in my path. There were pastors who preached God's Wordwith conviction. There were missionaries who sacrificed everything to take theGospel to the nations. There were schoolteachers who were dedicated to thecause of Jesus Christ every day. There were humble church members who quietlyserved the Lord year after year without seeking recognition. Their livespreached sermons long before their voices were silent. I often say at funerals,"This dear person has already preached this service with their life."I truly believe that Christianity is more caught than taught. Peopleare always watching us. Children watch their parents. Grandchildren watch theirgrandparents. Young Christians watch older Christians. Whether we realize it ornot, someone is following our example. That makes this verse very personal. It'sone thing to ask, "Who am I following?" But perhaps the greaterquestion is, "Who is following me?" If someone patterned hisChristian life after yours, would he become more like Jesus? Would he become aperson of prayer? Would he love God's Word? Would he faithfully serve in thechurch? Would he have a heart for souls?  Paulunderstood that the Christian life is never lived in private. Every believer isleaving footprints that someone else may choose to follow. So today, Paulleaves us with a very simple challenge. Choose your examples carefully. Followpeople who are following Christ. Learn from believers whose lives consistentlyhonor the Lord. And then ask yourself another question: Am I becoming the kindof example that others should follow? May God help us to leave footprints that lead people to Christ. Let'spray.  Heavenly Father, thank You for thefaithful men and women You have placed in our lives who have shown us what itmeans to follow Christ. Help us to learn from their example, but even more,help us to become examples that others can safely follow. May our walk matchour words, and may our lives always point people to the Lord Jesus. In Hisprecious name we pray. Amen.