Last night in church my pastor was preaching from Philippians 3. I have been thinking about verse 17 all day. It says, “My friends, I want you to follow my example and learn from others who closely follow the example we set for you.” (Contemporary English Version).

Who are your examples? If I asked you right now to name for me three people that you follow and pattern your life and ministry after, could you name three? Paul encouraged the Philippians to follow his example and then mark others who are a good example to follow. I have people in my life that I have marked and chosen to follow as an example.

Be careful. There are those out there who are NOT good example. Paul knew that. He said in the next two verses, “I often warned you that many people are living as enemies of the cross of Christ. And now with tears in my eyes, I warn you again that they are headed for hell! They worship their stomachs and brag about the disgusting things they do. All they can think about are the things of this world.”

One last thought. What kind of example are you setting for others to follow? Albert Einstein said, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means.”