Although I’ve never been to Las Vegas, I am a little curious to go. I think part of the attraction is the many shows that go on every night along the strip. Many famous entertainers do shows at the many casinos hoping to attract tourists to watch and inevitably gamble. One of the fascinating things you will see is the myriad of Elvis impersonators. They represent many of the different stages of his life and career from the young army soldier to the overweight nightclub performer.

I always wondered why someone would do that for a career? Maybe they looked like him but from the pictures I’ve seen, most don’t. Then again, maybe they sound like him? But going by some of the videos, that isn’t often the case. So why do people focus their lives on imitating Elvis? Maybe because they looked up to him and in respect, want to emulate him through their lives?

Research has shown that the quickest way to become proficient in any endeavor is to imitate exactly someone who has already mastered it. The fact is, it works. I read the story of football coach Don Shula who instructed his team to watch how a national championship college football team acted both on and off the field. This led to them becoming one of the best teams in history.

The best way to master something is to imitate a master.

In Philippians 3:17, Paul says, “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.”

Our church’s theme this year is focused on discipleship. Being a disciple is to be a follower. Paul’s call to Christians is if they want to live for God, to live their lives as he did. In essence, Paul was saying God’s plan of discipleship is that we learn how to live the Christian life by the following the example of Christian leaders.

So the question needs to be asked, “What example did Paul leave for us to imitate?”

Firstly, Paul was a person committed to pray. Throughout his letters, he took the time to tell his readers how much he prayed for them. It didn’t matter if they were leaders or not, he continually brought them before the throne of God’s grace. He prayed for their practical needs but more importantly for their spiritual needs. His prayers were focused on seeing them deepen their relationship with God and to take the Gospel go into all the world.

Secondly, Paul was committed to a purpose. I think all of us are looking for purpose in our lives. That is why so many of us change jobs/careers so often. Paul’s purpose was something beyond just doing. He writes in Philippians 1:21, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” He saw life as all about living for Jesus. Every ounce of his being was focused on God. He later writes in Philippians 1:25, “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.” In other words, living for Jesus was to help others grow in their walk with God – discipleship.

Thirdly, Paul was committed to purity. When people fail at something in life, I often hear them say, “Oh well, I’m only human.” In a sense, they are using their humanness as an excuse not to strive. In Philippians 2:5, Paul writes, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Having the same “mindset” or “attitude” as other translations put it means to see things as God sees things. That means we put total effort into living as Jesus did. Paul told the church in Thessalonica “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7). Just because we live in a sin-filled world and live in bodies with a propensity for sin isn’t an excuse for not striving for holiness. As Paul called to the church in Rome, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1).

Fourthly, Paul was committed to persistence. I think many of us give up too easily. I know I am that way when it comes to working out. We want instantaneous results. We want to be able to say something and it will come to pass. Sadly, life is not like a microwavable meal. It is more like smoking meat where hours of patience will lead to a wonderful meal. In Acts 14:21-22 Paul and Barnabas went to Antioch to preach. It wasn’t easy as they built up the people. Paul declared to the crowds, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God”. Paul understood the process would be hard but was committed regardless of the cost. In Philippians 3:13-14 Paul said, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” He knew the cost but he also knew the value and this kept him striving for the goal of heaven.

There are many other qualities of Paul we could emulate. As hard as he was in his teaching and discipline, he always was positive about God and faith. No matter what he experienced: stoning, shipwrecks, lashing, or beatings, he continued to stay strong in his faith and vision.

The world tells us who we should emulate and many of them are deeply flawed and their focus is definitely not on the Lord. The truth is our ultimate example is to live like Jesus. He is the ultimate role model. That being said, God has given us others who in their humanness still reflected God’s grace and power. The apostle Paul is one of them.

Philippians 4:9 says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” I think for many of us today we are afraid to have heroes. We have been let down by parents, teachers, siblings and pastors. Regardless, there are people in our lives who serve as examples of pursuing God. Let’s not let past disappointments cloud our faith and miss out on God’s design for discipleship. Paul said, “Imitate me.” Imitate him.