History is filled with examples of examples—relationships in which one person influenced another by their example. Steve Jobs was an example for Mark Zuckerberg; Warren Buffett was an example for Bill Gates. Socrates was an example for Plato, and Plato was an example for Aristotle. Mahatma Gandhi was an example for Nelson Mandela, and the list is almost endless.

Everyone is an example to someone whether for good or for ill. One of the most striking things the apostle Paul wrote was his encouragement for others to imitate his example. This was not a prideful or egotistical exhortation by Paul as he clarified in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” His ultimate purpose was for believers to be like Jesus Christ, not like Paul. And because the four Gospel accounts of Christ were not available to be read, the only way to be like Christ was to be like others who were imitating Him.

Consider this: When others witness our words and actions, if they imitate us, will they be imitating Christ or just imitating us?

A good example is the best sermon.
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