"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1
Scott Phillips of Chicago and Stergios Sioutis of Attica, Greece had never met before this year's Boston Marathon but crossed the finish line together anyway. You see, Sioutis is blind. He was being led by a guide until mile 19 when the guide, feeling the effects of the heat, began to vomit and was unable to carry on. As Phillips caught up to them and saw what was happening, he immediately offered to lead this stranger to the race's end. After some prompting from the guide, Sioutis gratefully transferred his rope-like tether to Phillip's wrist, and they were off and running again. Sioutis later said, "With him I felt safe and confident that I could run and finish in a good time. I cannot think of what would have become otherwise." In other words, there was something about this new friend that made Stergios trust him.
When Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ", he too was holding out the rope-hoping the people there would trust him. At that time, the Corinthian believers did not know much about Jesus and his ministry (and the Gospels were yet to be written) so Paul couldn't tell them to follow Jesus' example. Paul knew though, although he wasn't sinless, he could be that example to follow. Because he was so confident about his love for and obedience to the Savior, he knew that when they imitated him, they would be imitating Christ.
I wonder if we can say the same? When people see you and me, can they see Christ in us? Can they trust that, by following our example, they will make it to the eternal finish line? May we live our lives so that others will say, as Sioutis said about Phillips after the race, that our assistance was "God's gift."
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us those people who will help lead us to you when we have gone astray or are searching for answers. Help us to unselfishly be that guide to others as we pursue a life focused on helping and serving others that they might see Christ in us. May we walk so closely with you that we might lead others by our example. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Lead me - Sanctus Real
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