Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. (Philippians 3:17 NKJV)
Parents teach their children based on the things they have learned and experienced. Soon enough their children adopt their manners, ways, and even their minds. Parents are the first models for their children. Children have first-hand encounters with them. The old saying is true, “Like father, like son” or “Like mother, like daughter.” However, there are others who imitate those they have not known nor experience. They base their choices on physical attributes. They imitate actors and actresses because of their beauty or characters they portray. Apostle Paul teaches us to have a good standard as to who we should imitate. First, we imitate those whom we really know. We have seen them, heard them, and witnessed them. Second, do they have moral and spiritual integrity to be our models? Paul is confident that he is a good model for all of us. Imitate me, he said, because I imitate Christ. He does not say, do what I say and not what I do. Instead he says, do as I do. Furthermore he says imitate me and imitate also those who imitate me. Ministers should be role models in their moral and spiritual conduct. Christ showed us the example of how to be a child of God. God is holy; we must be holy.
