June 26 2026

Friday June 26

"Follow the Right Example"

Philippians 3:17

Welcome to Pastor's Chat. Today we move on to the last section of Philippians chapter 3. As we close this chapter, we want to focus specifically on verse 17, where Paul writes: “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” Throughout this chapter, Paul has been describing the Christian life as a race. He has counted everything loss for Christ. He has confessed that he has not yet arrived spiritually. He is forgetting those things which are behind, reaching forth unto those things which are before, and pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Now Paul says, "Brethren, be followers together of me." At first, this might sound surprising. It almost sounds like Paul is being proud. But we have just been reminded of what Paul said earlier: "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect." Paul knew he was still growing. He was not asking believers to follow a perfect man. He was inviting them to follow someone who was faithfully following Jesus Christ. Notice he said the same thing in 1 Corinthians 11:1: "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." In other words, Paul is saying, "Walk the same path I am walking because I am following Jesus."

Every one of us needs godly examples. God never intended for us to grow in isolation. He places mature believers in our lives to encourage us, teach us, and show us what it looks like to live for Christ day by day. So Paul goes on to say, "And note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” The word “note” (sometimes translated "mark") means to observe carefully or to keep your eye on. We get our English word scope from the same Greek root. It means to fix your attention on someone.

Notice Paul doesn't say to mark those who merely talk about Christ. He says to mark those who walk with Christ. Anyone can say the right words. Anyone can quote Bible verses. Anyone can appear spiritual for an hour on Sunday morning. But the true test of Christianity is a consistent walk with God. Our daily conduct should match our profession, and our character should support our testimony. Our lives should point people to Jesus.

Oh, I am so thankful when I look back over the years of my life for the faithful believers God placed in my path. There were pastors who preached God's Word with conviction. There were missionaries who sacrificed everything to take the Gospel to the nations. There were schoolteachers who were dedicated to the cause of Jesus Christ every day. There were humble church members who quietly served the Lord year after year without seeking recognition. Their lives preached sermons long before their voices were silent. I often say at funerals, "This dear person has already preached this service with their life." I truly believe that Christianity is more caught than taught.

People are always watching us. Children watch their parents. Grandchildren watch their grandparents. Young Christians watch older Christians. Whether we realize it or not, someone is following our example. That makes this verse very personal. It's one thing to ask, "Who am I following?" But perhaps the greater question is, "Who is following me?" If someone patterned his Christian life after yours, would he become more like Jesus? Would he become a person of prayer? Would he love God's Word? Would he faithfully serve in the church? Would he have a heart for souls?

Paul understood that the Christian life is never lived in private. Every believer is leaving footprints that someone else may choose to follow. So today, Paul leaves us with a very simple challenge. Choose your examples carefully. Follow people who are following Christ. Learn from believers whose lives consistently honor the Lord. And then ask yourself another question: Am I becoming the kind of example that others should follow? May God help each of us to live in such a way that those around us see not merely us—but the Lord Jesus Christ living through us. May God help us to leave footprints that lead people to Christ.

Let's pray.  Heavenly Father, thank You for the faithful men and women You have placed in our lives who have shown us what it means to follow Christ. Help us to learn from their example, but even more, help us to become examples that others can safely follow. May our walk match our words, and may our lives always point people to the Lord Jesus. In His precious name we pray. Amen.

God bless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!