Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. [Philippians 3:17-19 NKJV]
Having just told us that he has not "arrived", and is not perfected, Paul then goes on to say "follow my example". Paul has the confidence to tell people to follow him; not so that he can be a spiritual leader, but as he follows Jesus. He has also said, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." [1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV]
It takes confidence to say "follow me". Paul also just wrote, "For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." [Philippians 3:3 NKJV] His confidence is not in his own flesh, but in Jesus;
Clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. [2 Corinthians 3:3-5 NKJV]
If you trust in your own abilities as a leader, or your experience in prayer, or the life of holiness you have lived in the past, that is a false confidence, and will fail. Your trust must be day by day, minute by minute, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide you. We are not sufficient in ourselves, but God is sufficient for all things.
We should live our lives with the confidence to say "Follow me, as I follow Christ." It doesn't require perfection, but it does require faith.
It is not wrong to follow a person who is following Christ. By their example, we can learn and grow.
At the same time, we need to take note of those whose example is not holy. They may be church leaders, but their words and actions betray that their minds are set on earthly things. They care about their position, their reputation, money, or the praise they receive for their service. Avoid these people.
It is our responsibility as believers to discern the difference between a righteous man, and a selfish man. We are responsible for who we follow.
At the judgement seat of Christ, a Christian man may find that he has no reward. The Lord will say, "In your life you served the church. You received recognition from your pastor, the elders promoted you, and the congregation patted you on the back. You have already received your reward." The man will answer, "But, I only did as my pastor taught. I followed his example. Is there no more reward for me?" Jesus will answer, "By My grace, you have been saved, and will receive eternal life. But you have made your choices, and have not been faithful to Me. There is no more reward for you."
You must live your life wisely. It is your choice who you will follow, and how you will lead. If your pastor teaches something that doesn't ring true, study if for yourself in the Bible, praying for the Holy Spirit to guide you, so that you know the truth. Don't expect to agree with anybody 100% of the time. But if he shows a pattern of being concerned for the things of this world, rather than the kingdom of God, then I suggest that you find a different church.
If you lead, the responsibility is great. Your words and actions may affect the eternal souls of those who follow you.That doesn't mean that you shouldn't lead, but you can't trust your own ability to lead. Put your trust in the Spirit of God. He will lead you into all truth. He will show you the way; as you follow and as you lead.
My Father, I thank You for the grace you have given that I may live in Your righteousness. I pray for continued grace, that I may be an example to others, bringing praise and glory to You.
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