Philippians 22: Follow My Example.
“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.” (3:17-18)…”Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (4:9)
Sounds a bit arrogant, doesn’t it? Commanding others to follow your own example. Nevertheless, that’s just what Paul does, once here at the end of chapter 3, and again in chapter 4. And just as he made no apology for teaching about the same matters again (3:1), or for insisting that his view of things was correct (3:15), so he makes no apology here for holding himself out as an exemplar. Perhaps we find it easier to accept the command to emulate Jesus (2:5), but the truth is, we need human role models too.
If anyone else had said this, we would be quick to take offence – who do they think they are? It’s one thing to be recommended as a good role model by others, quite another to say it about yourself. But we can forgive Paul for this presumption, I think, speaking as he is with the authority of holy Scripture. Perhaps, in a society that seems to delight in watching people from grace, we’re too quick to knock exemplary people down a peg or two. Maybe we do so because we feel threatened by them or inadequate by comparison?
Of course, there are plenty of high profile instances of seemingly good role models being caught up in scandal or disgrace, both in the church and the secular world, but that doesn’t mean we should view all role models as suspect. There must be accountability and due transparency, of course, but we need more good men and women of faith who are prepared to hold themselves up and say, look, here’s how to do it. After all, without good role models, what do we have to aspire to? If no one puts themselves forward, others have no one to follow and learn from.
We all have a choice: to follow good examples or bad examples. Do we want to follow after enemies of the cross, whose minds are set on earthly things and who care only for themselves (vv. 18-19), or do we want to honour courageous men of faith like the Apostle Paul? It’s no choice at all, really. We need more men and women of faith, like Paul, to be good role models for others, and we all need to make a conscious choice daily to focus on good things and good people.
And each of us, too, can be a good example to others. We don’t have to be perfect or barn-storming apostles, but we can all make the effort to live in a way that encourages others to follow and grow closer to Jesus. When we live out the teachings of the Bible, whether from Philippians or any other book, it’s not only for our own good, it can also inspire and challenge others around us to do likewise.
We all need role models to follow, and we all need to think carefully about what we’re modelling for others, whether our children, colleagues, friends or neighbours. Paul followed Jesus’ example, we should follow Paul’s, and let others follow our example. That’s how we can hand down a witness of faith to the next generation, to those who come after. When we see genuine men and women of God, let’s not resent them but honour them. And let’s be mindful of those who look to us and what kind of example they will see when they do.
Key takeaway: what examples are you following, and how can you be a good example to others?
Come back next week for more in Philippians chapter 3, but in the meantime, thanks for reading, and be blessed.
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