“Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you. In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained. Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us. For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things,”
Philippians 3:15-19 CSB

My mom tells stories of me when I was little. Stories that tell of my need to be right or have the last word. She isn’t lying, you know. She has known me longer than anyone. Our connect goes deep. She knows my bossy tendencies and my need for control. All too often she was on the receiving end of my temper tantrums and got the brunt of my verbal abuse. Thankfully I have matured over the years. Though, admittedly, it took longer than I realized. While my parents and other adults spoke into my life, often my lack of maturity prevented me from accepting their wisdom. Now as a mom, I am experiencing the receiving end of all the things and have apologized to my mother numerous times with many more to come, I’m sure.

Paul is calling for the mature believers to strive for the goal, understanding their own imperfections but not allowing them to be a hindrance. God reveals Himself to us over time and seasons through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Paul exhorts the believers to “live up the truth you have attained.” What is the important truth you have come to in Christ? Paul is saying live up to it. As a child, we learn truths that will stick with us for the long haul. Don’t touch a hot eye on the stove, you’ll get burned. Talk back, you will get your mouth popped. You get it? We also learn from imitating. We watch our moms put on make-up or wear high heels. So we try the same, even from a young age. We watch how others gain attention or acquire a new skill. And we begin mimicking them. Paul says, “Imitate me.”

The examples we follow will have great impact on our life. The believers are encouraged to follow the example they have in Paul and in Timothy. Which is also the example of growth. We cannot stay like we are, we must grow paying careful attention to those around us. Paul and Timothy were believers mature in their faith. And Paul cautioned the believers to watch out for those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ. These people did not place priority on truth. They lived according to their pleasure.

There are examples of the faith all around us. Some are further along the path and others aren’t as far along. Yet the path is marked out before us. A race we are to run, probably more like a marathon than a sprint. Yet there is much wisdom and truth to be gleaned along the way. Don’t just mimic someone else. Live your life by the example of faith they set for you. Don’t try to be them, just glean the truth they have to give and live accordingly. This race is for all of us. Run it together!

Questions for Reflection:

• Who is your example?
• Maturity wise, who do you need to be looking to?
• What impact is your example making on those around you?
• What wisdom have you gleaned along the way?

Father, thank you for the many examples of faith you have placed in my life. Help me to live in the truth you have brought me to thus far. Amen.