Imitate me as I imitate Christ
Paul offers his life as a model
Paul makes a claim that would be sheer arrogance if it were not so accountable: imitate me, as I imitate Christ. He knew people learn leadership and faith less from what they are told than from what they watch. So he offered his own life as a model — but a model anchored to a higher one. Follow me, he says, but only insofar as I am following Christ.
Two truths sit inside that sentence. First, you are being imitated whether you intend it or not; the people you lead are watching your life and quietly copying it. Second, your example is only safe to follow as far as you yourself are following Christ. The call to be imitated is also a call to be imitable — to live a life you would actually want reproduced in others. Leaders who say do as I say, not as I do have already failed, because the doing is the real teaching. The most powerful curriculum a leader has is the example of his own life.
“In all things show yourself an example of good works.”
— Paul, to Titus — Titus 2:7 (WEB)
Leaders teach most by example. You are imitated whether you intend it or not, and your life is only safe to follow as far as you follow Christ.
“Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
Paul could say imitate me only because he was following Christ. A leader formed here lives a life he would want reproduced, knowing he is always being watched. The inner work is becoming imitable, not just instructive.
Lead by the example of your own life, not just your words, and keep that example anchored to Christ. Recognize you are always being copied, and live accordingly. Make your conduct the curriculum you would want learned.
Leaders rely on instruction and forget their life is the louder teacher. The blind spot is do as I say, not as I do — not seeing that the doing is what is actually reproduced.
Examine one habit your team is likely copying from you. This week, bring it into line with what you would actually want reproduced in them.
You are being imitated whether you intend it or not — those you lead are copying your life, not just your instructions. The only question is whether your example is safe to follow.
Is your life one you would actually want reproduced in the people you lead?