Imitators of Christ

The apostle Paul was integral to the growth of the early church. Paul traveled throughout Asia Minor to share the good news of Jesus with all he met. When he was received well he would often stay for extended periods of time to begin a new local congregation. Paul used the time to instill the basic message of the Gospel and train local leaders to lead the congregation. Once Paul felt the local church and leaders were ready he would head to the next town and start over. Paul used letters to correspond with the churches he established as a way of continuing relationships and offer guidance on specific issues and problems the church faced.

While Paul certainly was held in high esteem as leader of the church, he did not see himself as superior or above the leaders he helped train. Most often, Paul used the language of partnership to describe his ongoing relationship with church leaders. In his first letter to the Thessalonians Paul specifically gives thanks and praise for the faith and leadership of the church leaders. Paul also shared how he had been praying for the leaders of the church and giving thanks for their many gifts. This is a spiritual friendship of mutual respect but also one characterized through mentoring. Paul is mentor to the leaders of the church while also showing deep respect and gratitude for them.

Paul was a mentor to the burgeoning church leaders through imitation. As he tells the Thessalonians:

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

Paul, who is imitating the example from Christ, asks the church to imitate him to learn how to be faithful. This is not Paul displaying arrogance or trying to imply that he is the only example to follow. Paul’s method of mentoring is behavioral and implies that we learn how to be faithful to Christ by learning from others and imitating their example. It is in relationship with those who have already developed a deep relationship with God that we can learn to be faithful. Put another way, we all need spiritual mentors in our life. We need faithful saints who have been through much in life and who have wisdom and love to share.

If you are in the beginning of your journey it is time to seek out an experienced and respected person of faith. Take time to learn from them how God has worked in their lives. Take notice how they make regular time from prayer and scripture. Observe how they respond to stressful and difficult situations. See how they use their gifts to serve others, how they give generously of their time, talent, and treasure. Very often God will place these faith giants in our life for our benefit. We need to humble ourselves and seek their guidance and counsel.

On the other hand, if you are a person who has a strong faith and developed a deep relationship with Christ, consider whether God might be calling you to mentor a person at the beginning of their faith journey. You have much to offer and those new to the faith need to learn how to be disciples. You don’t need a advanced theological degree or a position on a church staff, simply a strong faith and love for others. In the end we are all seeking to follow the crucified and risen Christ, and in this journey of faith we are meant to travel together.