"For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 13:15)
Posted : 29 Sep, 2011 12:51 AM
"For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 13:15).
There is no single practical truth in the Word of God on which the Holy Spirit is more emphatic than the example that Christ has set for the imitation of his followers. The church needed a perfect pattern, a flawless model. It needed an impersonation, a living embodiment of those precepts of the gospel so strictly enjoined upon every believer. And God has graciously set before us our true model. "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers" (Rom. 8:29). And what does Christ himself say? "My sheep... follow me" (John 10:27).
There are points in which we cannot and are not required�literally and strictly�to follow Christ. We cannot lay claim to his infallibility. He who sets himself up as infallible in his judgment, spotlessly pure in his heart, and perfect in his attainments in holiness, deceives his own soul. Jesus did many things, too, as our Surety, which we cannot do. We cannot drink of the cup of Divine wrath which he drank; nor can we be baptized with the baptism of blood with which he was baptized. He did many things as a Jew�for example, he was circumcised, kept the Passover, and kept the dietary laws�which are not obligatory upon us.
And yet, in all that is essential to our sanctification, to our holy, obedient, God-glorifying walk, he has left you "an example, so that you might follow in his steps" (1 Pet. 2:21).
In his lowly spirit, in his meek, humble manner, and in his patient endurance of suffering: "learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29). In the unbiasedness of his love, his pure benevolence, the unselfishness of his religion: "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:4�5). "For even Christ did not please himself" (Rom. 15:3).
Do not look on your own circle, your own family, your own gifts, your own interests, comfort, and happiness; do not look upon your own church, your own community, your own minister�do not look upon these exclusively. Do not prefer your own advantage to the public good. Do not be self-willed in matters involving the peace and comfort of others. Do not form favorite theories, or individual opinions, to the hazard of a church's prosperity or of a family's happiness. Yield, sacrifice, and give place, rather than carry a point to the detriment of others.
In all things, with a generous, magnanimous, unbiased spirit, imitate Jesus, who "did not please himself" (Rom. 15:3). Seek the good of others, honoring their gifts, respecting their opinions, nobly yielding when they correct and overrule your own. Promote the peace of the church, consult the honor of Christ, and seek the glory of God, above and beyond all private and selfish ends. This is to be conformed to the image of God's dear Son, to which high calling we are predestinated. And in any feature of resemblance which the Holy Spirit brings out in the holy life of a follower of the Lamb, Christ is thereby glorified before men and angels.
