Learn to Follow

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

(1 Corinthians 11:1, NKJV)

Most parents find great joy in watching children take after them.  The mystery of creation that we watch when a child is born is one that we cannot fully comprehend.  Looking at a child and noticing that the new born or a young child has features like the parent is often a source of pride and identity.  Only God knows how He chooses the attributes that a child carries from either parent.  It is not anything we can influence no matter how much we try, it is an element of God’s sovereignty.  However as a child grows, there is a great opportunity for the parent impacting a child’s character and habits.  A year ago, I watched a 6 year old boy working with his father in fixing a swing in their home.  The boy was very committed to contributing to the project as he felt he was supporting his father.  The father acknowledged the son’s hard work and said he was surprised that the young man knew how to fix screws.  The young man responded:  “Daddy, I know how to do it because I have watched you do it”.  This response by the young man spoke volumes of the father, simply that all what he did, the son was watching and ready to replicate.

Our reference verse is by Apostle Paul who wrote to the Corinthian church.  It is a very powerful statement of faith.  In writing this, Apostle Paul was saying that he knew he was following Jesus Christ in the right away and so he had the confidence to tell others that followed him, to emulate his ways.  Beloved, this is not a statement that one can make if at any time, he is in doubt.  It speaks of Apostle Paul’s conviction to follow Christ.  It challenges me as I wonder what it would look like if in any way I failed.  The bible reminds us that when parents train up a child in the way they should go, they stay on it even when they are old (Proverbs 22:6).  This is a clear call upon those of us who have younger ones around or who lead, mentor, teach, disciple or parent others.  There is a responsibility to help those who look up to us to learn the way of the Lord.  Admittedly, there will be times when we too struggle to know the way, thanks be to God that He is our Father too and He desires to guide us in His path.  In those moments of doubt and fear, we are to call on our Father.  The psalmist cried to God to teach him His ways as he relied on God’s faithfulness (Psalm 86:11).  Our Father will teach us His ways for He wants us to follow Him faithfully without fear or undivided hearts.   There are various references in the Psalms that encourage us to call on God for guidance, cries that God would show us His ways and teach us His paths (Psalm 24:4-5).  God is our Father and our hope and He will teach us His ways as we call on Him.

Brethren, it is only when God leads us that we can step up to lead others with any level of confidence.  As believers, we have many who watch our actions and lives and I wonder how many of us would have the confidence to say it Paul’s way.  Salvation is not just for us but also for our children and all who come to the Lord (Acts 2:39).  That puts responsibility on us to share the gospel not only with our words but also with our lives.  As I reflected on this, I was reminded of a sentence  that Apostle John wrote tha there is no greater joy than to hear that his children were walking in faith (3 John 1:4).  It is the joy of a parent to pass on their faith to the children.  The late Jonny Cash composed a song on the foundation of this verse.  Jonny Cash challenges that children will not follow if we do not live out our faith each day.  Beloved, may the Lord help us to live a life that draws our children and closest people to the cross of Christ.  That is my cry and confession, help us Lord.

Thoughts:

How does Paul confession stand with you?

What do you still need to do to walk right?

When have you demonstrated right walk to others?