“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 11:1)
Paul’s statement to the Corinthian believers is bold, yet entirely humble. He does not present himself as the ultimate standard, but as one who follows the ultimate standard—Christ Himself. He urges believers to imitate him only as he imitates Christ, which is the defining mark of every true disciple.
This verse comes after a long discourse where Paul instructs the Corinthians on matters of morality, conscience, and Christian liberty (1 Cor. 10:6-30). He concludes with the simple yet profound principle: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” (1 Cor. 10:31).
Paul could confidently call others to follow his example because his life was shaped by Christ’s life. Everything Christ said, everything He did, was from the Father, for the Father, and according to the Father’s will. He Himself declared:
“For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak… whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak,” (John 12:49-50).
Even Christ—God the Son—demonstrated that the singular purpose of all things is to glorify God.
He lived as our pattern, leaving an example that we should follow (1 Pet. 2:21). His meekness, His love, His absolute obedience to the Father—these are the marks of a life fully surrendered to God.
“Learn of me,” He says in Matthew 11:29. “You can’t claim anything peculiar to yourself, but sin which accompanied you into the world; and therefore, if Divine omnipotence has inspired into you any measure of His heavenly grace, give Him the glory to whom it is most due. If you will be Christ’s disciple, observe His doctrine: Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart.”[1]
If we desire to truly glorify God, we must learn Christ—study His life, listen to His words, imitate His obedience. Only then will we be able to say, as Paul did, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
Contemplations:
- Learning from Christ’s Example. Lord, do I truly study the life of Christ? Do I seek to follow His example in my thoughts, words, and actions or do I settle for a surface-level faith? Help me learn of You, that I may walk as You walked.
- Imitating Christ in Daily Life. Jesus, You lived in perfect obedience to the Father, and You call me to do likewise. Help me submit my will to Yours, just as You submitted Your will to the Father.
- Being an Example for Others. Paul urged believers to follow him as he followed Christ. Lord, can I say the same? Is my life a pattern of godliness for those around me—my family, my church, my community? Help me live in such a way that others see Christ in me.
- Glorifying God in Everything. Father, Your Word says that everything I do should bring You glory. But I fear I often compartmentalize my faith, giving You only parts of my life. Teach me to honor You in every word, every action, every thought.
- Relying on the Spirit to Follow Christ. Jesus, I cannot imitate You in my own strength. The flesh is weak, and my best efforts fall short. Help me rely on Your Spirit to transform me daily that I may walk in the power of the Spirit, consistently being conformed into Your image.
Prayer:
O Lord Jesus, You are not only my Redeemer, but my example. You have shown me how to live a life that is holy, humble, obedient, and pleasing to the Father. Yet how far short I fall!
Father, I confess that I do not always imitate Christ as I should. My heart is so easily swayed by selfishness, pride, and distraction. Instead of setting my eyes on Jesus, I often look to my own desires. Forgive me, Lord. Make me a true follower of Christ, not just in name, but in word, thought, and deed.
Lord Jesus, You said, “Learn of me.” Teach me to study Your life, to meditate on Your words, and to follow Your ways. Help me to live as You lived, walk as You walked, and love as You loved. Let my life be a testimony to those around me, pointing them to You alone.
Father, You have commanded me to glorify You in all things. Whether I eat or drink, work or rest, speak or remain silent—let it all be for Your glory. Keep my heart fixed on Christ, that I may never drift into self-centered living.
And Lord, as I strive to follow You, fill me with Your Spirit. I cannot walk in holiness by my own effort—I need Your power to transform me daily. Mold me into the image of Christ, that I may be a reflection of His goodness, His grace, and His truth.
May my life proclaim: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
For Your glory alone,
Amen.
Further References for 1 Corinthians 11:1:
1 Corinthians 4:16; Philippians 3:17; Romans 15:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Acts 15:26, 20:35.
[1] Richard Allestree, The Whole Duty of Divine Meditation Described in All Its Various Parts and Branches: With Meditations on Several Places of Scripture (London: Printed for John Back .., 1694), 87.
