Pastor Matt's Blogosphere

Imitate Me?

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (1 Corinthians 1:10-15)

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." (1Co 1:30-31)

[This topic may turn into a multi-post topic, but I feel there is an issue that needs to be addressed. However, by doing so, I'm sure some of you may not like what I am about to say. I do want you to know that I am not accusing anyone of what I am about to write, but I am worried such things will only worsen. So, without further adieu, here we go.]

It seems that within the last few years, there is more and more of what Paul addressed in the above verses. (While writing to a local church, I do believe this can still apply to Christianity as a whole.) There seems to be a movement within Christianity as a whole, to be "people followers" instead of "God-followers." Whoever has the latest trend, fad, book, etc. is the guy we should pattern ourselves after. While realizing this is not necessarily a bad thing, it can become misguided. I wish I could always say, "Imitate me as I follow Christ." However, the truth is, I can't. And neither can these other men ALWAYS say such. Now there are many men and women that do set forth the correct example and we should learn from them, be mentored by them, and honor them. Yet, I do believe they would be the first ones to admit that we should not put them on a pedestal that only belongs to Jesus Christ. Is it wrong to follow a godly man or woman? No. Is it wrong to follow them blindly? Yes. Only follow them as they follow Christ. And please don't follow someone just because they have something new like the latest fad, books, buildings, programs, or "the look".

[These thoughts also pertain to our association. I'm afraid we are more divided than ever. People keep asking me if I think a split is coming (why they ask me, I'll never know), and maybe it is - I just don't know. However, if we (including me) were all focused on Jesus Christ, I do not believe we would have half the fights and disagreements we are having.]

As I said, this may turn into a multi-post, so be patient and leave me your thoughts.