Reflections Of Grace - Philippians 3:17

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” (ESV) — Philippians 3:17

“Do as I say, not as I do”—that is a statement we have all heard from time to time, usually in jest. It is a somewhat sarcastic reply that some people give when their own inconsistency is pointed out. And it is true that we are all inconsistent in various ways and in varying degrees, because we are all sinners. But according to the scriptures, no Christian should ever be content for there to be a contradiction between their confession and their living.

Paul’s statement in Philippians 3:17 demonstrates this to us. He is not displaying a self-exalting, boastful attitude, but rather a humble desire to help his brothers and sisters in faithfully following the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a mark of maturity in the Christian life.

The chances are, however, that most of us would be a bit intimidated by the thought of telling others to imitate ourselves. After all, we are well acquainted with our sin, our weaknesses, and our failures. But that is why we must understand that we are not holding ourselves up as something to behold; we are instead saying, “follow me as I follow Christ.” This takes into account your sins and struggles, for in following Christ you are not walking in perfection, but in faith, repentance, humility, and an absolute dependance upon the grace of God to sanctify you in Christ Jesus.

The very nature of the church means that it is always going to be composed of a spectrum of persons when it comes to maturity in Christ. Some will be seasoned, mature believers, some will be brand new spiritual infants, and others will be somewhere in between. But we are all to seek to be an example to one another in following Christ. This is one of the practical means that God has given for the encouragement and building up of his church, for we all benefit from godly examples to follow.

We must remember, though, that the root of all of this is the work of Christ in us. That is why the example of the godly is a testament not to themselves but to Christ. He is the one who saves them out of their sin, who sanctifies them, and who keeps them. Therefore, all glory belongs to Christ, for the brother or sister who sets this example serves only to direct those around them to fix their eyes upon Jesus, our Savior and our King. Amen.