“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” ~Paul (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Often we look at the apostles in Scripture and wonder at their strength, productivity, diligence and power. We sigh and say, “No wonder they were able to move with such anointing! They literally lived and walked with Jesus for years.” But stop a moment. Paul might have seen Jesus from a distance once or twice, but he had none of the advantages that the other apostles had. In fact, Paul had to live down a reputation of being a brutal terrorist of the Christian faith.

In essence, Paul only had at his disposal what we have: the words of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Every insight, every nugget of wisdom, every truth he spoke came from the self-same source that is available to you and me. So let’s dig into the Word! Let’s listen to the Holy Spirit! Let’s walk out our faith and follow the example of Paul. He wasn’t much of a communicator (by his own standards) and he wasn’t a rock star. He was just an ordinary guy doing extraordinary things for God. Why? Because He lived like Jesus’ words were true (because they are!) and He had faith to believe that the Spirit who lived in him was the best teacher around (because He is!).

Father,

Thank you for the example of Paul. I, too, am ordinary. I, too, have a shady past and a reputation to live down. Like Paul, I don’t have much to offer in and of myself. But, I, too, have the powerful words of Jesus and the mighty Holy Spirit alive and well in me. I will follow Paul’s example, Lord, with your help. I will be Paul’s student and learn to teach others as he did of your grace, your unending love, and of the plan you have developed for each life in the Kingdom of God. This is my desire. This is my decree! Take my ordinary life and make it extraordinary for Your sake. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Assignment #1: Read Paul’s definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13.

Assignment #2: Spend the rest of your life practicing that kind of love!