Do As I Do

I recently finished a study on Philippians. I have been thinking a lot about Paul's "do as I do" teachings: 

- Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. Philippians 3:17

- Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. Philippians 4:9

Whew! I can't imagine saying this to my fellow believers! I try to live a life that is right before God, but perfect I am not!  Paul made mistakes. How could he say these things with any real confidence in his ability to live an exemplary lifestyle?

I love verses like these that stick in my head to be mulled over again and again. I've been thinking about the lifestyle Paul was living, a lifestyle we strive to live, that would enable us to say, "Do as I do". Here's what I've come up with:


Paul was a righteous man.

Righteous... that can be such an intimidating term! Verses about righteousness used to leave me feeling so defeated. Then I learned that righteous just means that we are in right standing with God, forgiven.  Not perfect, but forgiven? We can do that!


Paul walked in an intimate relationship with God. He was in prayer, inviting God to be at work in his life, his circumstances, and in his heart. He took time to hear that still, small voice. He listened to the whisper of the Holy Spirit. I believe he heard from God on everything he did. He lived his life, not according to his own will, but according to His Father's will and His Holy Spirit guidance. 

At times it can be hard to discern God's will in our lives. He speaks to us so frequently through peace, or a lack of peace, through a word in due season, and through the promptings and desires of our Christ-changed, Christ-filled hearts. It can be scary to think of missing His will at times, of walking outside of His will. I have learned to find comfort in His promises. These verses are reassurance at times when His will feels unclear:

- In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will... Ephesians 1:11

- For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

He has a unique plan, a purpose, for each of us. We were created with this purpose in mind, gifted according to His will (Romans 12:6). I believe it is in using our gifts, talents, and abilities to fulfill our purposes that we find fulfillment, joy, and contentment. 

- He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

- If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 2 Timothy 2:13

He is faithful to complete the work He began in us. He is working in us faithfully, even when we stumble, when we cannot discern His will, or when we are uncertain we are on the right path.

- For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 

We belong to Him. We were each created for a unique purpose. He is going to help us along. He is going to give us the grace we need to fulfill our purposes. He is going to enable us to do with ease what we could never do on our own without His help. He equips the called, rather than call the equipped, that through our victories, He may have the glory.  


Paul lived a life of discipline and self-control.(1 Corinthians 9:24-27) He did his part to the best of his ability and trusted God with the rest.   


Finally, I think Paul lived a translucent life. He made mistakes, but was quick to respond to conviction, to seek forgiveness, and make corrections. He was humble enough to share the thorn in his flesh and his mistakes, that we may learn and grow right along side him. 


Until Christ returns and we are made perfect, we can strive toward a "do as I do" lifestyle. Like Paul, we can walk in forgiveness, live our lives as a whispered prayer and, consistently seek God. We can learn to discern His will and have faith that He is working in us and on our behalf, because whatever we are on any given day, God is faithful. We can continue to grow in self-discipline and self-control. We can allow ourselves to be transparent by trusting in God to grant us favor among men despite our inadequacies. 

My favorite thing about Paul's exemplary life, is that God used all that Paul was. His past was not wasted. He used Paul's mistakes, his shortcomings and weaknesses, as well as his strengths, just as He desires to do with us. I love that nothing is wasted on God. He can take all that we are, both the good and the bad, and He can use it to His glory.