Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Philippians 3:17
A Role Model
Daily Devotion – October 18, 2023
Devotion based on Philippians 3:17
See series: Devotions
In the 1990s, basketball superstar Charles Barkley made a commercial for Nike that caused a stir. After a monstrous dunk, he turned to the camera and declared, “I am not a role model.”
His point was that people shouldn’t look up to someone because he can dunk a basketball. He didn’t want kids modeling their lives after entertainers’. He argued that people who serve others in quiet and unassuming ways are the best role models.
The apostle Paul was no entertainer and didn’t get paid the big bucks. He even refused payment for his apostolic work; he did it for free. He got up every day and did what Jesus had called him to do without fame, fortune, or fanfare.
Was his work easy? Hardly. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul provided a laundry list of things he had endured. He concluded by explaining, “I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches” (2 Co 11:27,28). His life had been far from luxurious.
But what had Paul’s suffering given him? Resilience. Strength. Stamina. Confidence. Those character traits were built on Jesus’ perfect promises and forged in the hot fires of challenging life situations.
And now, Paul could boldly declare, “I am a role model.” He urged the Philippians, “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”
But Paul wasn’t really pointing to himself with those words. He was pointing to Jesus, the source of his strength. Paul later explained, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Php 4:13).
Simply put, Paul is the best kind of role model because he kept his eyes on Jesus. We are well served now and forever in following his lead.
Prayer:
Jesus, empower me to fix my eyes on you and your salvation, just like Paul. Amen.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
