I have continued to practice riding my unicycle.  I learned how to do what is called a “free mount” last week.  That means that wherever I am, I can hop up on the unicycle and start pedaling.  I am now able to go around the neighborhood and only have to stop when my legs get tired.  Unicycle videos on Youtube have been really helpful in my learning process.  I have learned a lot by watching and listening to those who already know how to ride a unicycle.  By imitating them and practicing regularly, it is getting a lot easier.  As I was reflecting on this the other day, I was reminded of Paul’s words to the church in Philippians 3:17.  Paul writes:

Phil 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

In this chapter, Paul is speaking to church about living a life that glorifies Christ.  Paul exhorts the church to have the right attitudes and to display the right behaviors.  Paul instructs and encourages the church to imitate the good things and the godly things they observe in the lives of Paul and his fellow ministers.  In this instruction, Paul is not being egotistical.  Earlier in this very chapter Paul was very transparent about his transgressions, his pride and his sin that characterized his life before he met Christ.  Paul knows very well the power of Christ to transform lives!  Paul knows very well the willingness of Christ to equip us and empower us to be who He has called us to be.  With that in mind, Paul encourages the church to imitate him as he seeks to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Paul says, “I haven’t arrived yet, but if you want to know how to get there, follow me.”  I like that.  We can learn a lot from watching, listening and imitating someone who knows what they are talking about.  It is a blessing to have an example to follow.  And if we keep watching, listening and imitating the godly lives of others, we will be an example for others to follow.