Paul makes a bold statement at the beginning of 1 Corinthians 11..."And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." (NLT). I usually settle for the NIV's, "Follow me as I follow Christ." That's much less abrasive to me. That takes much less work. I can follow Jesus. That gives me a little more freedom. I can wander off and do my own thing, as long as I'm back in line when Jesus looks back to see if I'm still with him.

"But hold on a second...I have to IMITATE Him? Now, that's a little uncomfortable... After all, I am my own person. I have my own personality. I know what's best for me. I'll follow him until something catches my attention, but IMITATE him? I don't know about that. After all, he was perfect. It wouldn't even be worth trying."

Ever catch yourself living out that kind of reasoning? I'm not arguing for the "superior translation" of the NLT vs. the NIV. Far from that. 1 Corinthians 11:1 through me off. I just had to stop and challenge myself and maybe you in the process... Don't simply follow Christ. IMITATE Him.

1 Corinthians 11:1