Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1
It was the Fourth of July, and we were camping on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Much of the Southwest was struggling with fires. Because of this, the Grand Canyon was not going to host a fireworks display. Our youngest daughter was disappointed. She had missed very few fireworks displays since her birth. I suggested that the rest of the family could make sounds to imitate fireworks and she could “ooh” and “aah” in response. She did not feel this was an adequate solution.
Although it is said “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” an imi-tation rarely meets the standard of the original. Yet in today’s reading, St. Paul encourages the Corinthians to imitate him as he imitates Christ.
Christ is our ultimate example. Our lives are to be lived to the glory of God, giving no offense, and not seeking our own advantage.
But Christ is more than our example. He conforms us to His own im-age (Romans 8:29), so that, by His grace, we become imitators of Him. Christ took our sin upon Himself to give us forgiveness and life eternal. Now, in Him, we are a new creation, becoming more like Him in faith and in life.
Dear Lord Jesus, help me in my everyday life to become more like You. May Your example be my guide. In Your holy and blessed name, I pray. Amen.
About Portals of Prayer
Each devotion features
a Bible reading, meditation, and prayer
in an easy-to-read format. Portals
of Prayer is great for personal devotions,
and these timeless devotions can be used
to open meetings or launch Bible studies.
It is published in the convenient and
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edition.