Daily Reading // 1 Corinthians 11:1-16
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV) Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
I am challenged by Paul’s confidence here. For him to say, ‘Imitate me as I imitate Christ’ shows a lot of confidence.
It’s like a coach who watches his player struggle to perform. Then the coach tries to describe the proper technique and adjustments needed. Still the player struggles to understand the concepts and apply them. Then the coach says, “Watch me”. And he demonstrates the right way to do it.
Sometimes we learn from written instructions and verbal cues. Other times, it’s nice to have a coach.
In fact, this is part of the reason for the incarnation, Jesus coming to earth. He came to model a godly life. He came to show us how it’s done.
Here’s the question: If someone follows my example will it help them or hurt them? Will they learn good habits or bad habits? I want to practice godly living not just for me, but for those who may follow my example.
Is there someone I’m coaching in godly living? It doesn’t have to be a formal coaching situation. Someone may be watching. What would they be observing?
Am I comfortable and confident in saying, ‘Imitate me’?
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Jesus, May my life mirror Your life and be mirrored by others. Amen.
Tomorrow’s reading -> 1 Corinthians 11:17-26
You have a lot of excellent thoughts. That’s just what this blog is for! About the coaching comment - I think it’s good to realize others are watching and following our lead, whether it’s kids, grandkids, neighbors, coworkers, whatever. I want to be a good example, not a bad one. Paul tells us throughout this letter and his other epistles that some things we do are ‘doubtful’ or ‘disputable’ Romans 14:1 (NKJV) Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. There are many things in scripture that are not disputable - they are wrong for every person all the time. Murder, theft, adultery, etc are always wrong. Then there are things that are disputable - they change…
Have had to seat here and think about this one. Plus it’s hard doing this on a phone, trying to gather my thoughts and present it in a rational presentation that makes sense.
The consideration also have to be about our time frame, the time periods of now and then, and what culturally accepted for both. Your title “coach Paul”, I see as why Christ came to be our coach or example to follow. We get all kinds now a day in church; men wearing hats, long hair; and women with short hair, hats, all completely contrary to our scripture reading today.
Relating to your questions; will it hurt/ help them; doesn’t it say that the Lord looks always at…