I was a teacher for fifteen years and I can’t tell you how many times I heard parents say, “Because I said so�! It is a phrase that I decided early on I would not use in my home because, as I observed in my classroom day after day, children learn by doing. And they learn what to do based on what you are showing them. Therefore, I think a more appropriate phrase might be “Because I do so!�

From the moment Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he became one of the most ardent followers of Christ. He renounced all of his personal achievements and counted them as nothing for the sake of Christ. His goal was to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection, share in His sufferings, and be like Him even is His death â€" death to self and instead live a life for the honor and glory of God (Philippians 3:10).

So, when he told the Philippians to follow his example, it wasn’t just to do what he was saying, rather it was an invitation to do what he was doing, as he sought daily to follow the example of Christ.

The greatest impact we will have on people will not be because of our words. Words come and go, and if they are not backed up by your actions, are meaningless. However, when our actions are modeling what we are teaching, that is when people will follow. My prayer for myself, and all Christians, is that we would become like Christ in our actions, attitudes, and words, so that we, like the apostle Paul, can be an example which others can model. Not because we are perfect, but because Christ is perfect, and we follow his example.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to set the example of how to live. My desire is to exalt and honor you with my words, but even more so, with my actions. Help me be a model for others to imitate because my goal is to be like you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. Philippians 3:17 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.