Flattering the Saints

Wednesday, February 20, 2013                Phil. 3:17-4:1

Reed Campbell

I wrote it close to a thousand times on every paper, test and exam that I took. The honor code I wrote on those papers in school was similar to the one that I pledged to live by throughout my collegiate career. It is a basic tenet by which I live now. I will not copy other’s work and pass it off as my own; I will not cheat; I will not lie. It isn’t just an academic honor code, it’s in the Ten Commandments after all. So it always strikes me as odd every time I read one of Paul’s letters where he urges his followers to imitate him – to copy him in his way of following Jesus. Huh? This goes against all that has been ingrained in my head since a young age – honesty, originality, creativity – these are the virtues we uphold, not imitation.

Paul’s exhortation to imitate him flies in the face another adage of my childhood, oft repeated in my household – “Do as I say, not as I do.” Boldly, Paul seems to be saying “do as I have done.” But maybe something else is going on here.  On a closer look, Paul is telling us that we are not alone. Saints have travelled this road before us, and maybe this once we shouldn’t take the “road less travelled.” Maybe, when faced with all the temptations of this world we should look for inspiration from those who have already travelled the road of this world and been welcomed in the awesome presence of God. The road to that awesome presence is paved with pitfalls, and if we are to make it, we should imitate those who have gone before us. To put it another way: if imitation is the purest form of flattery, then let us flatter the saints.

Prayer: Dear God, help me to learn from those who have gone before me, and to draw inspiration from their journey so that I may continue in confidence in my daily walk with you.

Daily Challenge: Think of those people who have inspired you to be better. If they are living, thank them. If they are with the Lord, pray your thanks.