In Paul’s introductory comments to the congregation in Thessalonica, he was extremely complimentary of their faith. He wrote of his thankfulness as he remembered, “without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
He also expressed how that faith and obedience was instilled in them. He wrote of them having received the “word”, and in so doing they became “followers of us and of the Lord” (1:6).
This is not the only time where Paul either commended Christians for following him, or called them to do so. He told the Corinthians, “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me” (1 Corinthians 4:15-16).
Some might consider this call for others to imitate him as being prideful on his part, and perhaps dangerous for those who did the imitating! We certainly must pause before we consider following the example of other men. Ultimately our standard is the Lord Himself. Of course, Paul understood this, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).
In fact, there is a very real caveat that Paul declared, and we must remember when we think about imitating others. Later in his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (11:1). A caveat is a provision of specific stipulations or limitations. Paul certainly would not have wanted any man to follow his example if he departed from obedience to the Lord. However, in so far as a man or woman serves God faithfully, they are worthy of emulation.
Consider Peter’s words to women as he called them to modest apparel and demeanor, “…in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror” (1 Peter 3:5-6). Sarah and other women who have gone before serve as wonderful examples, and in following them Peter said, “whose daughters you are.”
Finally, note Paul’s words back in 1 Thessalonians. Because the congregation there had become followers of Paul and his fellow workers, (and primarily of the Lord Himself), they in turn “became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (1:7). They became examples themselves! Christians worthy of imitation!
Imitation is always legitimate, if who or what is being imitated is pleasing God!
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