There are a lot of ministers who will teach that you should follow
them “as” they follow Christ. Many misguided ministers quote 1 Cor 11:1 and then state “Follow me”
just as I also follow Christ.”
The truth is that we should not follow any man, but Jesus only. The King
James Version “incorrectly” uses the word follow. The Greek word here is “mimetes” and it means imitator.
Webster’s New World College Dictionary renders imitate as to seek the example of, take as one’s model or pattern,
to mimic, or resemble. This rendering denotes becoming like Jesus, and could be used by Paul in that as long as he conducted
himself in a Christ-like manner, then those who saw his actions could learn by example.
Ever see a small child imitate someone? What a big difference that is
from follow. Webster’s New World College Dictionary renders follow as to go along, to accept the authority of, to obey,
yield to, or to advocate the ideas, or opinions
of those followed. Now this rendering has a completely different meaning
than to imitate Paul as he imitates Christ. Paul was in essence being the example for others to see. Where following him would
get our eyes off Christ and on Paul (or any man) thereby the possibility of being deceived if the man would cunningly change
the doctrine as many has in the past and will in the future.
The one thing God wants mankind to always remember and it’s the
very thing we always seem to forget, and that is God Is Supreme! God has never and will never give up or trust His authority
or His people to any angel or man! I’m quoting the above article from the book written by Timothy Youngblood “The
Great Apostasy” chapter four.
How true it is that our Creator wants us to be followers of Him and not
followers of men. The Greek word “Akoloutheo” Strong’s #`190 does means follow, in the sense of: To accept
the authority of, To obey, yield to, or to advocate the ideas or opinions of those followed. And in every place that the word
“Akoloutheo” is used in the Scriptures, it points directly at Jesus The Christ, our Chief corner stone. Jesus
is the only one that we are to follow, like Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me”
Jn:10:27.
Jesus told the rich man who wanted to inherit eternal life “Go
thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross,
and follow me” Mk. 10:21. Jesus tells all of us: “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let
him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” Lk.9:23.
Remember, there is only one way that leads
to our heavenly Father and His Kingdom: “Jesus saith, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me” Jn.14:6.
Who Should We Follow? Jesus, He is our Savior our Lord and our King.
He is the only Potentate. 1Tm. 6:15. As For our leaders, they are the ones we are to imitate BUT only if they are imitating
Christ. If they are not, then let us be imitators of those who are, after all, that is what the Word of God instructs
us to do, doesn’t He?
