Whether we realize it or not,
we are always learning from someone.
Children learn by watching their parents.
Apprentices learn by observing skilled craftsmen.
Athletes improve by studying those who’ve mastered their sport.
In much the same way,
our spiritual lives are shaped
by the people we choose to follow.
Books can teach us.
Sermons can inspire us.
But there’s something uniquely powerful
about watching a life
that consistently reflects Christ.
Paul understood this.
He never pointed people to himself
because he believed he was perfect.
He pointed them to a life
that was being transformed by the grace of God.
His confidence wasn’t in his own goodness.
It was in the Christ
who was making him new.
Scripture Reading
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Devotional Reflection
At first,
Paul’s words may seem surprisingly bold.
“Be followers together of me.”
Yet this is not the language of pride.
It’s the language of discipleship.
Elsewhere,
Paul tells the Corinthians,
“Be ye followers of me,
even as I also am of Christ.”
He’s not asking others
to imitate his personality.
He’s inviting them
to imitate his devotion to Christ.
Then he widens the invitation.
“Mark them which walk so…”
Pay attention
to those whose lives bear the fruit of the Gospel.
Notice their humility.
Their patience.
Their generosity.
Their steadfast faith.
God often teaches us
through the faithful lives
of ordinary believers
who quietly walk with Him day after day.
Perhaps a child.
A coworker.
A neighbor.
A new believer.
They’re learning what it means to follow Christ,
not only by what you say,
but by how you live.
That realization isn’t meant to create pressure.
It’s meant to inspire faithfulness.
When we walk closely with Christ,
our lives naturally become an encouragement to others.
Today,
thank God for the people
He has placed in your life
whose example has strengthened your faith.
If possible,
tell one of them
how much they have meant to you.
Then ask yourself another question:
If someone followed my example today,
would they be drawn closer to Christ?
Don’t answer with fear.
Answer with hope.
Where you fall short,
God is gracious.
Where you need to grow,
His Spirit is faithful.
Simply seek to walk with Christ today.
The closer you follow Him,
the more your life
will quietly point others toward Him as well.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the faithful men and women You have placed along my path.
Through their prayers,
their encouragement,
and their example,
You have strengthened my faith more times than I can count.
Bless them for their quiet faithfulness.
Now, Lord, help me to become that kind of person for someone else.
May my words reflect Your truth.
May my actions reveal Your love.
May my patience, humility, and compassion point beyond myself to Christ.
Keep me from seeking recognition,
and instead teach me to seek faithfulness.
Shape my life so that anyone who walks beside me will be encouraged to walk more closely with You.
And when I fail,
remind me that Your grace is sufficient,
Your mercy is new every morning,
and Your Spirit continues to transform me into the likeness of Your Son.
For You alone are the perfect example,
and it is my joy to follow wherever You lead.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.