1 Corinthians 10:31–11:2
‘For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you.’ (vv10:33b–11:2)
Examples offer help in illustrating what’s being said. They assist us in how to practise our learning. Paul confidently invited the Corinthians to follow his example, as he followed Jesus’ example.
Jesus is the only visual aid we have for the characteristic behaviour expected of disciples. We often believe the bar is set too high, aimed at ‘super-saints’, and not the average mortal.
Yet, this is the life that every Christian disciple is expected to embrace, albeit through an ongoing change process affecting thought and action. When we assume that the life described in Scripture is beyond our reach, we identify our lack of confidence in God’s ability to change us from the inside out.
Paul, through his life and letters, attempts to describe discipleship for all the Christian community. Times change, but not God’s message. Why does it take us so long to take our words of adoration and commitment and implement them as our daily devotion and service?
Today I’m creaking beneath the accumulated rings of age, yet only over the last fifteen years have I been sufficiently enamoured and captivated with an inner desire to live entirely for God.
I cannot comment on my success, an account will be available at my death and without reference to my own rose-tinted memoirs. I now believe with a depth of conviction and an intensity unknown in my earlier life.
This realisation helps me to take appropriate steps to roll out my planned discipleship in obedience to God.
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Deut. 27:9–28:14; 1 Kgs 8:54–61; Matt. 15:1–20; Rom. 14:5–23.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: What are the next steps you want to roll out in your discipleship plan?
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, deepen my love for You as daily I choose to live for You. Amen.’
