Are You Someone That People Should Imitate?
If we are merely seeking to enlist others into a sort of clone army, the domain we inhabit will soon become an evil empire, and all the usual totalitarian impulses will rise in us.
As church leaders, as pastors, we have a responsibility to be Christlike examples while avoiding the pitfalls of ego and pride. We should be able to say along with Paul, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).
To lead confidently, you must be reasonably sure that you are someone others should follow. Both ends of that statement are important. Yes, we should invite others to imitate us but the caveat is critical - only insofar as we imitate Christ. This is a responsibility with potential pitfalls.
The Temptations of Leadership
If you are someone that people find easy to follow there is always a temptation to conform them to your own image instead of the image of Christ. This happens frequently and the ensuing wreckage litters the landscape of Evangelicalism.
If we are merely seeking to enlist others into a sort of clone army, the domain we inhabit will soon become an evil empire, and all the usual totalitarian impulses will rise in us. We will become agitated that those we seek to control won’t get with our clearly delineated program. The ego inflates, the nose elevates, and the eyes can’t bear to look below.
“What is with these people, Lord? Why won’t they become more like me? Why can’t they see that my way is the best way? Don’t they see how balanced/godly/disciplined I am? How can they not want that for themselves?”
Like me, you have probably never said these things to God... out loud! But try saying them to yourself now and see if there isn’t a ring of truth to them.
The Temptation of Pride
When we ask these questions and fail to see how foolish they are, pride stokes the furnace of ego and the fire of evil is not far off. In our frustration with what is lacking in others our impressions of our own sufficiency and superiority are reinforced.
So there is a dark side to inviting people to imitate us. If we embrace the temptation to become the focal point of people’s affections, we will end up doing a lot of damage - to them, to us, and to the church. Inviting people to imitate us is a risk, but it is a risk we are commanded to take. We must not be the endpoint of people’s affections. When we ask others to imitate those areas of our lives which are not conformed to the way of Christ, we lead them into nothing but sin.
The Cure: Humility
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1) When we speak the caveat, we permit people to reject anything in us that is not Christlike. If we do that we will have a chance to keep the false god Ego in check. That monster can only be killed by humility.
And if we want to learn about humility, opportunities abound. Simply submit to the path that God has laid before you and begin to walk. Before long, opportunities will arrive. He will not send you down a smooth path that is free of affliction where the weather is always nice. If you find yourself on a path like that you are a pilgrim making progress in the wrong direction!
Questions For Reflection
1. In moments of frustration, do you find yourself desiring conformity to your image rather than Christ's?
2. How do you guard against the temptation to become the focal point of people's affections?
3. Can you recall a specific instance where you openly acknowledged a personal shortcoming to your congregation? How did this impact your relationship with them?
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Michael Krahn is a Pastor, the husband of Anne Marie, and the father of Madeleine, Olivia, and Sophia. Make a connection on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.