I was praying through one of the prayers in my prayer book the day after Christmas when I encountered a thought that stayed with me. May I … “Never make the multitude my model …” [Valley of Vision, Edited by Arthur Bennett]
Later in the day a few commercials flashed across the television announcing the Golden Globe Awards. I realized we have entered the “awards season,” when Celebrities pat themselves on the back repeatedly. It starts with the Golden Globes and then they’ll roll by at lightning speed, the Emmy’s, Grammy’s, People’s Choice, Critics Choice, MTV … on and on and on.
Female celebrities will be adorned with dresses barely there, sparkling jewels, and imaginative hairstyles. Male celebrities will try to outdo each other in wild tuxedos and formal wear. They will be photographed and fussed over and adored. And if we are not careful, we might think this is something to imitate. (Unfortunately, many of our young fall into this trap of the enemy.)
Paul made it clear whom we should imitate. “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” [1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT]
If you want to know how Paul imitated Christ Jesus, read 2 Corinthians 11:22-28. Read about prison, hard work, lashings, beatings, shipwrecks, long journeys, dangers, sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, homelessness, and burdens and concerns for the church.
Let us “never make the multitude [our] model.” Amen
