Desire To Live

I agree with most all commentators when they say that verse 1 of Chapter 11, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" belongs together with the last part of Chapter 10. That verse, though it is separated by chapters in the English translations, belongs together with the other verses. Using this verse by itself causes many to use it out of context and not the way Paul here wants us to be imitators.

The questions we must ask are, "Why and how should we imitate Paul?" Should we also imitate other godly men in the way they live their lives. The answer is a resounding YES. So why should we imitate them?

We should emulate them since they are more mature in the faith. We should strive to learn from their maturity. We can learn from their leadership. We can learn how to love people better. By emulating someone who has been through various life trials, you can learn to properly use your strengths and work on your weaknesses as you learn from their lessons.

Now we should only imitate someone as far as they are imitating Christ. You do do not imitate evil or join along with them in sin and idleness. Imitate their good characteristics, their faith. Are they a hard worker? Are they separated from the world? Do they have a disciplined spiritual life? Are they hospitable? Then imitate those things.

Paul says to imitate him in giving complete glory to Christ. He wants us to imitate him by not seeking our own advantage but to look out for the interest of others. He wants us to be all things to all men, that is, he wants us to imitate his humility in giving up all rights to self so that we do not put forth any kind of a stumbling block to others. He does not want to cause anyone's conscience to be bound because of his freedom. He gives up his freedom at times so that he can please all people. That is a high call, a mature call. We must imitate our brothers in doing good and giving up rights to self. For by doing so, you would have imitated Christ, who gave up all rights to bear your penalty.