Devotion - Monday, March 7

I Corinthians 11:1 is a simple sentence.  Paul tells the members of the Church, "Be imitators of me, and I am of Christ."

This is yet another way in which the way of Christ looks different from the way of the dominate culture.  Seldom are we told to be "imitators."  The encouragement is to distinguish ourselves from those around us.  An "imitation" is looked down upon, considered of lesser value.

But Paul's advice to us is great advice.  It is the encouragement to look to one who has chosen the path of God, and then follow them.

Paul is not so much encouraging us to become imitations, but to be imitators.  Our individuality is not compromised or lost in imitating Christ.  Rather, we are more likely to become what Christ hopes we will be.