“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
In a heartwarming story titled “Layton High School distance runner breaks 40-year-old record, set by assistant coach,” it was reported that sophomore Parker Harris unwittingly broke a 40-year-old record at the Davis School District track meet—coming in with a blazing time of 9:24.8 in the 3,200-meter run.
“I had no idea. I just was going for the win,” Harris said.
Not only that, but he quickly learned whose record he had broken—one set by his own assistant coach, Kurt Black, as a member of the Davis High School team back in 1986. Coach Black’s time that year: 9:28.2.
“It was good at the time, but I didn’t think it would last that long,” Black said.
Black delivered the stunning news not long after Harris crossed the finish line.
“Five minutes later, (he) comes up to me and was like, ‘gosh dang it, you got my 40-year-old record,’” Harris recalled. “It’s just so cool to see—I’m following in the footsteps of great athletes. I mean, Coach Black—he’s so awesome.”
And when it comes to following in the footsteps of great people, the apostle Paul served as a powerful, living example to the church at Corinth of what it truly means to run the race for Christ. He did so much so that he didn’t hesitate to tell the Corinthian Christians to imitate his walk with the Lord. Paul knew those believers needed concrete, visible examples—and he was willing and ready to be one. A good one.
Why could Paul say this with such bold confidence? Because Paul knew he followed Jesus closely. He also understood that it was not “Paul” who was a worthy example, but “Paul the devoted follower of Jesus” who was the example. Furthermore, in saying “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ,” Paul set a clear limit and a deliberate direction for the way we are to imitate others. The phrase “just as I also imitate Christ” carries the idea that we should follow Paul only as fr as we see him following Jesus—and no further.
Sadly, very few people today are willing and able to say what Paul said with that kind of settled, unashamed conviction. Instead, because of compromise and spiritual lukewarmness, people are far quicker to say, “Don’t look at me, look at Jesus.” And while it is absolutely true that we must all ultimately look to Jesus as our supreme example, it is equally true that every believer should be a living, breathing picture of what it looks like to imitate Him.
Our world is in desperate, aching need of godly role models. That is precisely why every believer should make it his or her daily mission to copy and emulate Jesus so closely that, if others followed in his or her footsteps, those footsteps would lead them straight to Him. Can you imagine the breathtaking impact a flood of godly role models would have on our world today? This world doesn’t need more Kim Kardashians or Cardi B’s—it needs more Deborahs and more Esthers. And you can be sure it doesn’t need any more Machine Gun Kellys or Chris Browns, but rather more Pauls, Johns, and Peters. And that flood of godly influence must start with us. It must start with us imitating Christ so closely that we can confidently say to the world, just as Paul did:
“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)
What a radical, world-altering change that would make!
So vow to follow Christ with your whole, undivided heart each and every day. Vow to be completely uncompromising about the timeless truths laid out in the Bible, and to live a passionate, steady life for Jesus—so that you can be an example worth following. This will not only transform you, but also everyone in your sphere of influence.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the clear, stirring reminder that every believer has an obligation to be a godly example to those around them — and especially to the next generation. Cause my heart to be moved and awakened to live out that calling each and every day, Lord, so that I might be the change this world so desperately needs. Teach me to imitate You. In Your precious name I pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running! 🏃
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
