The little Epistle of Paul to the Philippians is a wonderful book! It has only four chapters, but they are full of rich truth and teaching for our Christian experience. It seems to be all about "Rejoicing"--regardless of our present situations and circumstances!
In Philippians 4:9, we read: ""These things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." It is interesting to notice that quite often in his Epistles, Paul urged his readers to follow his example in living the Christian life.
In Philippians 3:17, he said: "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample."
Again, in I Corinthians 4:16, Paul said: "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."
Our first reaction to these scriptures might be to think of the Apostle as being a little arrogant -- but at the same time, Paul considered himself to be "the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle." (I Corinthians 15:9). He also spoke of himself as "less than the least of all saints." (Ephesians 3:8).
I think we would all quickly agree that the Apostle Paul was definitely not an egotist in any way, but he knew that his converts needed an example to see, as well as precepts to learn, so he said to the church at Corinth -- "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (I Corinthians 11:1).
Today, people need to see Jesus in us, just like they did in Paul's day. Are we living so that when people are following us, they will also be following Christ? What a sobering thought, and what a great responsibility we have when we remember that Jesus said "ye are the light of the world"!
And let us not forget these words from Jesus -- "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven."
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