"Imitate Me"

Do you sometimes wish you had a mentor - a spiritual mom or dad who could help you navigate your Christian life? Are you a new believer yearning to serve God but not sure what that looks like? Are you, like me, a longtime believer and still feel like you need a mama and a papa?

Paul fathered many churches. In the days before internet, phones, mail service, and airplanes, it was difficult for his “children” to have access to this man they so depended on to teach them truth and bring them life, love, direction, and hope. But Paul surrounded himself with friends he had mentored who would travel with his letters to the churches he fathered to bring his words of encouragement and instruction.

With what he had at his disposal - a pen, a paper, and a scribe, Paul revealed his heart, his character, and his wisdom from the Lord. In words full of revelation and humility, he assured his readers then and now that the gospel was more than mere words and knowledge. The gospel was the very power of God and would only be understood and received when demonstrated. God anointed Paul’s letters with spiritual wisdom, and Paul and his friends demonstrated this kingdom of power whenever they were among the people. There was healing, deliverance, people were set free, and the enemy was defeated.

“Imitate me," he taught. Who in your world could you imitate? Who in your world might imitate you? Like a baby learns to walk by watching his siblings… or drive a toy truck by watching his dad...we learn by imitating those who have learned before us.  Find mothers and fathers. Be mothers and fathers. It's the way of the Kingdom of our good God.

Even though you have 10,000 guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 1 Corinthians 4:15,16

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power – 1 Corinthians 4:20