Day 10 - Sept 23
Daily Reading: 1 Corinthians 11
Theme: Wisdom & Revelation
Special Verse: Ephesians 1:17 — “The Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”
Personal: Pray for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to rest on you.
External: Pray for educators, school staff, and administrators in our region.
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Model Behavior
Would you want people to imitate your words, actions, or attitudes? Would your environment be better, more peaceful, more fun, or more Christ-like? As I reflect on this one verse today, I find myself somewhat conflicted as there are times when I do feel Christ-centered, and moments that look nothing like that. What about you? It is said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”
This old saying is not about the entertainer who imitates the voice and gestures of a celebrity in order to get laughs; rather it is a genuine intent to replicate the ways and attitudes of another. The Apostle Paul walked so intimately with the Lord that he could boldly proclaim, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” In other words, “use me as your example of how to live and love… don’t follow ungodly models which will only lead you astray or harm your testimony.” Jesus loved… so Paul loved and wrote the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13. Jesus gave… so Paul gave his life for the early church. Jesus was purposeful… so Paul took the Gospel everywhere. Jesus sacrificed… so Paul never asked for or received gifts. A few years back, someone popularized the phrase “What would Jesus do?” WWJD bands and jewelry appeared everywhere for a season. The truth is profound, but only when it affects one personally.
Would you want people to copy your way of friendship, working, conversing, worshiping, resolving conflict, or caring for others? Let’s commit to working towards becoming great examples. Until then, we can always default to the powerful truth, “follow Christ.”
