Follow me ∙∙

Follow me ∙∙

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. – Philippians 3:17

Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything, worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

The Influence of Example

In the late 1960s, a memorable anti-smoking commercial titled “Like Father, Like Son” was broadcast on network TV. The ad followed a father and his young son as they spent a day together doing various activities—painting the house, washing the car, strolling through a park, and relaxing beneath a tree.

Throughout each scene, the boy carefully mimicked everything his father did. Each time he imitated his dad, the narrator would emphasize the message, saying, “Like father, like son.”

The commercial’s final scene shows the two of them sitting under a tree. The father casually takes out a cigarette, lights it, and places the pack beside him. The boy then picks up the pack, taking out a cigarette for himself. Once again, the narrator echoes, “Like father, like son.”

This powerful commercial aired for over fourteen years, leaving a lasting impact on its viewers. Interestingly, it’s worth noting that the last cigarette advertisement on network TV aired on December 31, 1970, just a few minutes before midnight on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

The apostle Paul had a keen understanding of the power of example. People, particularly children, naturally look up to role models and mimic their behavior. These figures may be real or imagined “heroes” from our lives whom we hold in high esteem. Role models can take many forms, such as parents, friends, coaches, athletes, celebrities, or even fictional characters. Role models, whether real or imagined, hold significant influence over our lives.

Remarkably, Paul held himself up as an example for others to imitate, showcasing his confidence in leading by example.

2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 “For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.”

But there is more. Paul not only acknowledged the significance of setting himself as an example but also achieved mastery in the art and science of emulating the Lord Jesus Christ. When he extends the invitation to others to imitate him, he is ultimately urging them to follow Christ the way he does.

1 Corinthians 11:1 “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”

At its core, Paul’s example serves as a reminder that his actions were built on his devotion to following Christ. This truth carries an encouraging message for all believers. If Paul could imitate Christ, then every child of the King is capable of doing the same.

REFLECT & PRAY

There are untold numbers of examples of people that we can follow. Choose wisely.

Father, I want to imitate Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and follow His example. Encourage me and empower me to do so.

INSIGHT

What does it mean to imitate or follow an example?

It means to embrace someone or something as a guiding influence, a leader, or a role model and to emulate or replicate their qualities or actions. This concept has given rise to various idioms, each derived from the notion of imitation. For instance, “following in somebody’s footsteps” suggests adopting a similar lifestyle or pursuing a similar path as another person. “Follow your nose” implies proceeding directly or intuitively in a specific direction. “A hard/tough act to follow” refers to an individual or event that has achieved such excellence or success in a particular endeavor that it becomes challenging for others to achieve the same level of accomplishment.

2 Thessalonians 3:9 To offer ourselves as a model for you so that you would follow our example.

This verse can also be translated as “it was to provide you with ourselves as a pattern and example to copy” or “so that we might offer ourselves to you as a pattern of behavior” (UBS).

The Greek word for model is tupos. Tupos denotes “a representative form or pattern,” “a pattern of conduct,” or “a prototype.”

The Greek word translated as follow our example, imitate is mimeomai. Mimeomai means “to reproduce someone else’s behavior or appearance.” The English word mimic comes from this Greek word.

“In many languages, one cannot speak of ‘following an example,’ but one can ‘do as others do’ or ‘live in the same way that others live.’ Therefore, one may translate the final part of verse 9 as ‘we worked as we did, so that you would know how to live as we lived,’ or ‘. . . do as we did’” (UBS).

Paul was determined to prevent any potential conflict of interest. He steadfastly refused to rely on the support of the children of the King, whom he deeply cared for and nurtured. By doing so, he raised the bar, setting an exceptionally high example for all of us to follow.

“What kind of example did Paul have in mind? His actions might illustrate generosity, humility, self-sacrifice, a willingness to work hard for the kingdom, acceptance of personal responsibility, and numerous other virtues” (Michael Martin).

Paul’s statement is nuanced with several layers of significance. He fully commits himself without reservation; he is “all in.” The phrase “to make ourselves,” or more precisely, “order that we might give ourselves,” reveals the self-effacing nature of Paul’s actions. It echoes his previous statement that they were not only pleased to share the gospel of God but also their very lives (1 Thessalonians 2:8). The emphasis here lies on “ourselves.” They offered not only a message but their entire beings. Their efforts went beyond mere obligation; they willingly went the extra mile (Morris).

The Thessalonians are gently reminded that the demonstration they witnessed was not a mere theatrical display or superficial act but had a very definite objective. It served as an example for them to emulate. Considering that Paul, despite having the entitlement to financial support, willingly chose to labor with his own hands to sustain himself, it becomes even more imperative for the ordinary Thessalonians not to depend on the efforts of others for their sustenance (Morris).

It is safe to say that most people attempt to follow someone else whom they admire. The apostle Paul chose to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. He beckons us to do likewise.

“God expects Christians to view themselves as examples or types to the Christian life. We are to set the pace for others. We are to walk the talk. A reliable walk is of more worth than a barrel of words” (Richison).

Who do you follow?

Perhaps more importantly, would you want others to follow your example?

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© Dr. H 2025