There is an old legend about a prince with a crooked back. He was very sensitive about his affliction. One day, the prince instructed a sculptor to make a statue exactly like him, except with a straight back. When the huge marble status was finished, it was placed high in the palace yard. Each day, the prince walked through the yard and stood at length, gazing up at the statue. After a few months, the palace guards commented that somehow the prince looked different. Then one day, after many years, one of the guards suddenly declared, "Have you seen the prince? His back is as straight as ours." Looking up at the statue had caused the change.
There is great power in example. For this reason, Paul writes to those in Corinth to watch his life. Paul knew his responsibility was not only to preach but also to live before others so they would know Christ and what He desires of them. Thus, Paul made a statement that few of us would dare utter. He exhorted the Corinthian believers to be followers of him. Paul could make this statement because he faithfully followed Christ.
We should take note of the tremendous power in example. Perhaps some weak and broken soul is looking up to us as we follow Christ. May the image that one sees be worthy of the One we follow. And may our example be such that it will give strength to those who are weaker. Paul dared to say: For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.
“Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.”
1 Corinthians 4:16-17 NIV
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