(Prov 23:26 GNB) Pay close attention, son, and let my life be your example.
This morning we continue our series, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” This is the 19th Saying: a Call to Attention to Follow a Godly Example. Most believers are familiar with the phrase “follow me as I follow Christ.” This is actually a quote from 1st Corinthians 11:1 where Paul urged the believers in Corinth to follow his example. Another translation of this verse reads: “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (NLT). I would venture to say that many of you had a negative reaction to reading the second version of Paul’s statement, because the word “imitate” seems to be a bad word in today’s society. Furthermore, many today would consider it arrogance for someone to actually say that we should imitate them. But there is nothing wrong with following the example of another. This is not about imitation in the extreme sense of the word, but rather as a form of mentorship. Paul could not have a personal relationship with every member of the church in Corinth, but he was well aware of the fact that they were aware of his life. Paul’s point was that there is goodness in following the example of someone who is already at the point that you want to be. That is what the disciples did, that’s what Paul did, and that’s what we should do. Solomon cuts no corners and makes no excuses when he tells us, his readers, to allow his life to be our example. In other words, Solomon is welcoming us to be mentored by him, even though he lived his life thousands of years ago.
The writer of Hebrews said: “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith” (Heb 13:7). Another translation says, “Imitate their faith.” When we have Godly leaders, who are willing to share with us what they did to get to the point where they are in life, then we would be fools not to learn from their example and imitate their faith. We all need a mentor, we all need someone like Paul. Actually, I believe we all need three categories of people in our lives. We all need a Paul: a mentor, guide, someone who already is where we want to be, and who is willing to invest in us. We all need a Timothy: someone we can mentor, who wants to be where they already are, and who is open to being poured into. We all need a Jonathan: someone on equal par with us, who we can share life experiences with, who we can sharpen and who can keep us sharp!
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. You don’t know it all. Realize your limitations and allow God to develop you through mentoring relationships.
2. Select Godly mentors: Mentors enable us to do much more than we can alone. Select your mentors wisely and grant them ‘right of passage;’ giving them access to speak into your life.
3. Follow the mentors in scripture: In addition to the Godly mentors we have in the earth today, we can be mentored by the heroes of the faith in scripture. Follow their example and imitate their faith.
4. Maximize every learning opportunity. When you sense God has put you in the presence of someone who can teach you something, then put yourself in “receive mode.” If their experience far exceeds yours and they are willing to teach you, then the greatest thing you can do is listen. Don’t blow the opportunity by doing all the talking.
Closing Confession: Father, I intentionally choose to follow the example of the righteous. I learn from those who are walking examples of Your goodness in the earth today and also from those who have gone before me in scripture. I allow my living mentors to speak into my life. I grant them ‘right of passage’ to my soul. I also allow those who have gone before me in scripture to mentor me through their life experiences – both failures and successes. Who you desire for me to be is far too great for me to attempt to become it alone. I welcome the development You want to provide me through others, I follow their examples, and I imitate their faith. I am not a lone-ranger, nor will I attempt to be one. I thank You for blessing me to have great mentors and I allow them to mentor me! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
