In a world where it’s increasingly difficult to find people worth emulating, the apostle Paul provides crucial guidance about choosing the right examples to follow. His message to the Philippian church remains remarkably relevant today as we navigate relationships and seek role models in our communities.
Why Finding Good Examples Matters
Henry Cloud wisely observed that “if you want to become healthy, you have to surround yourself with a group of people that are getting healthy, and you have to be connected to a community that is doing what you want to do.” This principle reflects a fundamental truth: we become like the people we spend time with.
Paul understood this reality when he wrote: “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” (Philippians 3:17). He wasn’t being arrogant – he was acknowledging that everyone imitates someone, whether consciously or not.
What Does It Mean to Follow an Example?
The concept of following an example comes from the word “imitator,” which is rooted in the word “mime.” Just as a mime copies others without words, we naturally mimic the behaviors, attitudes, and values of those around us. Whether it’s a grandparent, friend, celebrity, or colleague, everyone has someone they’re unconsciously copying.
The question isn’t whether you’ll imitate someone – it’s whether you’ll choose to imitate someone who brings you closer to Christ or pulls you away from Him.
The Power of Godly Community
Some of the most transformative growth happens through relationships with godly people. When we surround ourselves with individuals who have a heart for God, we naturally develop a greater heart for God ourselves. These relationships provide:
- Real conversations about spiritual growth and struggles
- Accountability in areas where we need to improve
- Examples of how to handle conflict, leadership, and life challenges
- Encouragement to pursue godliness over worldly pursuits
The beauty of these relationships isn’t that these people are perfect – it’s that they’re pursuing the same goal of becoming more like Christ.
The Danger of Following the Wrong Examples
Paul warns about the destructive nature of following people “whose God is their stomach” (Philippians 3:19). This vivid description refers to those who live by their appetites – people who will do anything to satisfy their immediate desires for money, power, pleasure, or substances.
Why Bad Examples Are Often Appealing
Here’s the challenging truth: people who live by their appetites are often fun to be around. Living for immediate gratification can seem exciting and liberating. But Paul describes this lifestyle with tears because he’s seen its destructive aftermath.
Like overindulging at a feast, satisfying every appetite might feel amazing in the moment, but the consequences are often devastating:
- Relational destruction
- Lifelong regrets
- Spiritual emptiness
- Loss of self-control
How to Identify Examples Worth Following
Since we’re all works in progress, how do we distinguish between good and bad examples? Paul provides a clear criterion: look for people who “eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
Citizens of Heaven vs. Citizens of Earth
The people worth following are those who:
- Trace their desires back to Jesus rather than settling for cheap substitutes
- Find their identity in Christ instead of in substances, success, or status
- Pursue heavenly things rather than being consumed with earthly concerns
- Don’t settle for weak imitations when they could have the real thing
As C.S. Lewis put it, our problem isn’t that our desires are too strong, but that they’re too weak. We’re like children making mud pies in the slums when we could be on the beach making sandcastles just two blocks away.
The Standard of Excellence
Citizens of heaven maintain high standards – not perfection, but a refusal to settle for anything less than what leads them toward Jesus. They’re like fans who’ve seen championship-level performance and won’t be impressed by mediocrity.
When you’ve experienced the real thing – a relationship with Jesus – the cheap imitations lose their appeal.
Life Application
This week, take an honest inventory of the people you’re allowing to influence your life. Ask yourself these critical questions:
- What am I really after in life? Are you pursuing earthly things or heavenly things?
- Who am I imitating? Look at your closest relationships and consider what values and behaviors you’re unconsciously adopting.
- Am I worth following? Would others benefit from imitating your example, or would it lead them away from Christ?
Your challenge this week: Intentionally spend time with someone who demonstrates godly character and ask them about their spiritual journey. Simultaneously, consider distancing yourself from relationships that consistently pull you toward destructive appetites rather than toward Christ.
Remember, you don’t need perfect people to follow – you need people who are genuinely pursuing Jesus and can help you do the same. The goal isn’t to find flawless examples, but to surround yourself with others who are eagerly awaiting their Savior and living like citizens of heaven rather than slaves to earthly appetites.
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