1 Corinthians 11:1
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
There is a lot assumed in this short verse. Paul sets himself up as an example to the Corinthians. He has modeled to them how and what it means to give up one’s rights and freedoms in order to win people to Christ. This is not an easy thing to do. It requires a fundamental change in heart and attitude. It requires the deep cleansing and purification of the Holy Spirit who will grow within us unconditional love.
Paul has also set an example of hard work and personal discipline. Love does not grow in a person accidentally. It takes serious commitment. It takes faith evidenced in obedience. Paul did what he needed to do to keep bodily urges under control and to discipline his mind to listen and obey the commandments of God. This was not self-mutilation or legalism but done out of love and the freedom that comes from this love.
I find this very challenging in my personal life. I work hard but sometimes get lazy in spiritual growth. Some of this is due to my busyness and some to laziness. Paul’s example inspires me because it points to the greater example of Jesus who willingly gave of himself to others so that we might have eternal life.
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