Discipleship is Not About Personalities
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
On surface, when reading this verse along with some other similar scriptures (1 Corinthians 4:16; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6, and so on), one might think Paul is saying to follow him, or others like him. Of course, he’s talking about following the example of those who follow Jesus. Learning from those who are Christ-like, because they actually do follow Him.
It’s about discipleship, which is not about personalities. It’s about following Jesus Who lives in those who lead by example; not the individual, himself or herself. As a matter of fact, Paul warns us not to follow personalities, because it ultimately leads to division.
1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
People were never meant to be placed on a pedestal, or elevated above proper honor, or respect. When someone elevates another to an unhealthy level, what that person says may carry more weight in his mind than what Jesus, Himself has said. He may be blind to possible contradictions to Scripture. This can be a very dangerous thing indeed. That’s not to say the teacher has nefarious intentions. People are human, and can make mistakes.
Denominations have sprung out of groups of people following someone who had an experience with God. Unfortunately, they created and followed traditions of men, instead of having their own experience. In some congregations, the culture has been built around the pastor, or leadership. Even to the point where some actually mimic their behavior, dress and speech patterns. Not exactly what the Holy Spirit intended when He had Paul write, “Be followers of me.”
It’s About Intimate Relationships with Jesus
Hebrews 6:10-12 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Everyone is supposed to have their own personal experience of faith, and patience. We were never meant to mimic someone to the point where we do exactly as they do. For example, “Paul gets up at 3:30 to pray, so I get up at 3:30 to pray.” Question, is this person Spirit-led, or Paul-led? That’s how a tradition is born. Faith is about obedience to God, which requires a personal relationship with Him.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
This verse did not say, “faith comes by hearing what Paul says, or does.” If a person feels led by Holy Spirit to get up at 3:30, great.
Each of us are designed to have a unique relationship with God, which is one reason we have our own personalities. Biblical principles apply to all, but the relational qualities are personal. Each person’s walk is between God and the individual. Much of which is done in secret (see Matthew 6:1-7).
If one disciples others, the idea is to point them to Jesus in order for them to have their own intimate relationship with Him. If you are being discipled, allow yourself to be led to Jesus in order to have your own intimate relationship with Him. We should encourage one another, but not mimic one another in an unhealthy way!
