“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NASB). These words of the Apostle Paul, spoken with boldness and humility, invite us into a deeper understanding of what it means to live a life shaped by Christ. Few have dared to echo Paul’s challenge, perhaps fearing scrutiny or feeling unworthy of imitation. Yet Paul’s invitation is not self-centered or prideful; it is profoundly Christ-centered. His life is worth imitating because it points beyond himself to the Savior.
This is not the only time Paul extends such an invitation. He calls believers to imitate him in four other passages: 1 Corinthians 4:16, Philippians 3:17, Philippians 4:9, and 1 Thessalonians 1:6. In each, the call is the same: follow my example because my life is modeled on Christ. This raises a crucial question: can we say the same? Are our lives so aligned with Christ that we could confidently invite others to imitate us as a way of imitating Him?
Jonathan Edwards once resolved “never to do anything which I would be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.” His words challenge us to examine whether our daily lives reflect Christ so clearly that others could see Him in us. Would our example inspire others to deeper faith, greater holiness, and more steadfast devotion?
The context of 1 Corinthians 11:1 provides clarity to Paul’s bold statement. This verse is the conclusion of a thought that begins in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33. The chapter break between 10 and 11 is unfortunate, as verse 1 naturally belongs with the preceding passage. Taken together, these verses reveal three imperatives that form the foundation of a life worth imitating.
First, live to glorify God in every area of life.
Paul writes, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, BSB). Glorifying God is not confined to moments of worship or spiritual disciplines; it encompasses all of life. Every action, word, and decision should reflect a desire to honor Him. This was Paul’s aim in life, and it should be ours as well. A life focused on glorifying God becomes a beacon, pointing others to His greatness.
Second, live humbly, striving not to offend others.
Paul continues, “Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God” (1 Corinthians 10:32, BSB). Humility guards against causing others to stumble in their faith. Paul’s sensitivity to the consciences of others was born out of love, not compromise. He sought to live in a way that upheld the gospel and respected the needs and struggles of others.
Third, live for the benefit of others, not for yourself.
Paul concludes, “Even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” (1 Corinthians 10:33, BSB). His life was oriented outward, toward the good of others and the advancement of the gospel. This selflessness, rooted in Christ’s example, challenges us to move beyond self-interest and embrace sacrificial love for the sake of others.
Yet Paul’s ultimate point is this: his example is only worth following because he imitates Christ. Leon Morris captures this beautifully: “He calls on his converts to imitate him, but in the very act of saying this he points them away from himself. The reason they should imitate him is that he imitates Christ. His example points them to the Savior.”
Here lies the heart of Paul’s challenge: to live in such a way that others see Christ in us and are drawn to imitate Him. This is the calling for every believer, and especially for pastors and leaders. It is not a call to perfection but to faithfulness, to a life shaped by the cross and empowered by the Spirit.
As we strive to live in this way, we echo Paul’s prayerful dependence on Christ. Lord, keep us near the cross. May our lives be so rooted in You that we can say with humility and confidence, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Amen.
Cross References:
- Philippians 2:5-8
- Galatians 2:20
- 1 Peter 2:21
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