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Imitating Human Examples in Christian Life: Common Pitfalls and Dangers

While Christians are called to imitate Christ, the Bible also presents instances where believers are encouraged to follow the examples of other faithful individuals. This practice, however, carries potential pitfalls if not approached with discernment, as human examples are inherently imperfect.

The Apostle Paul explicitly instructs believers to "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ" [2, 6]. This statement highlights a crucial distinction: Paul's example is presented as worthy of imitation precisely because he himself imitates Christ. Commentators emphasize that this instruction implies a limit, urging followers to "Imitate me no farther than as I imitate Christ" [12]. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, notes that Paul's self-reference in this context is directed towards "weak persons," suggesting that seeing a human example can make the imitation of Christ more accessible. He further explains that "he who copies the perfect impression of the seal, copies th[e original]" [11]. This perspective suggests that human examples can serve as a mediated reflection of Christ's perfect example.

The example of Christ is consistently presented as the ultimate and perfect standard for Christian life [7]. Christ's example encompasses holiness, righteousness, purity, love, humility, meekness, obedience, self-denial, ministering to others, benevolence, forgiving injuries, overcoming the world, and being guileless [7]. He demonstrated self-denial by foregoing worldly comforts and submitting to God's will [1]. He also set an example of avoiding strife [9] and engaging in early rising for devotion [10]. The call to imitate Christ is an imperative duty for all Christians, regardless of their perceived weakness [3].

However, the danger arises when the imitation of human examples deviates from the ultimate standard of Christ. The Bible warns against being led astray by "philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" [5]. This caution underscores the risk of elevating human traditions or individual practices above the teachings and example of Jesus. Adam Clarke, a Methodist commentator, stresses that "The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" [13]. one tradition argues that Christians should not compare themselves with others, as others are not the standard [13].

One significant pitfall is the potential for idolatry. While the term "idolatry" often refers to the worship of images or other gods [8], the principle extends to placing undue reverence or reliance on human figures. Deuteronomy warns against making "an image, a form of any likeness,—a model of male or female" [4]. While this primarily refers to physical idols, the underlying principle of not creating substitutes for divine authority or perfect examples can be applied to human imitation. If a human example is followed without constant reference to Christ, it risks becoming an idol, diverting attention and devotion from God.

Another danger lies in the inherent imperfection of all human beings. Even the most devout individuals are fallible and prone to sin. Following a human example uncritically can lead to adopting their flaws or misinterpretations of Christian living. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to "endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering" [16]. This passage, in the context of a "huge crowd of witnesses" from chapter 11, emphasizes that these faithful individuals bear witness to God's blessings on a life of faith, but Jesus remains the "supreme example" [16]. The focus is on Christ as the one to imitate in endurance and suffering, not on the witnesses as perfect models in every aspect.

The exhortation to "be followers of God, or imitators of him" [14] as "dear children" [15] further clarifies the ultimate goal. Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist commentator, explains that "Pious persons should imitate the God whom they worship, as far as he has revealed himself as imitable by them" [14]. This imitation of God, particularly in love, is presented as the core of Christian charity [14, 15]. When human examples are followed, they should serve to guide believers towards this imitation of God's character, rather than becoming ends in themselves.

The historical development of Christian thought has consistently emphasized Christ as the unique and perfect model. Early Christian writers, like Chrysostom, understood Paul's instruction to imitate him as a means to an end—to imitate Christ [11]. This understanding prevents the elevation of any human figure to a status that rivals Christ's. The danger of human imitation, therefore, is not in the act of learning from others, but in failing to filter those examples through the perfect standard of Christ and the revealed will of God.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  2. 1 Corinthians “1 Corinthians 11:1 (NASB) — Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Missionaries, All Christians Should Be As — After the example of Christ -- Ac 10:38. Women and children as well as men -- Ps 8:2; Pr 31:26; Mt 21:15,16; Php 4:3; 1Ti 5:10; Tit 2:3-5; 1Pe 3:1. The zeal of idolaters should provoke to -- Jer 7:18. The zeal of hypocrites should provoke to -- Mt 23:15. An imperative duty -- Jdj 5:23; Lu 19:40. The principle on which -- 2Co 5:14,15. However weak they may be -- 1Co 1:27. From their calling as saints -- Ex 19:6; 1Pe 2:9. As faithful stewards -- 1Pe 4:10,11. In youth -- Ps 71:17; 148:12,13. In old age -- De 32:7; Ps 71:18. In”
  4. Deuteronomy “Deuteronomy 4:16 (Rotherham) — lest ye should break faith, and make you an image, a form of any likeness,—a model of male or female;”
  5. Colossians “Colossians 2:8 (Webster) — Beware lest any man make a prey of you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
  6. I Corinthians “I Corinthians 11:1 (LITV) — Be imitators of me, as I also of Christ.”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Idolatry — Forbidden -- Ex 20:2,3; De 5:7. Consists in Bowing down to images. -- Ex 20:5; De 5:9. Worshipping images. -- Isa 44:17; Da 3:5,10,15. Sacrificing to images. -- Ps 106:38; Ac 7:41. Worshipping other gods. -- De 30:17; Ps 81:9. Swearing by other gods. -- Ex 23:13; Jos 23:7. Walking after other gods. -- De 8:19. Speaking in the name of other gods. -- De 18:20. Looking to other gods. -- Ho 3:1. Serving other gods. -- De 7:4; Jer 5:19. Fearing other gods. -- 2Ki 17:35. Sacrificing to other gods. -- Ex 22:20. Worshipping the true God by an image, & c. -- Ex 32:”
  9. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
  10. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
  11. CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: a great one.’ For the difference between me and you is not so great as between Christ and me: and yet I have imitated Him.” On the other hand, writing to the Ephesians, he interposes no mention of himself, but leads them all straight to the one point, “Be ye imitators of God,” is his word. ( Ephes. v. 1 .) But in this place, since his discourse was addressed to weak persons, he puts himself in by the way. And besides, too, he signifies that it is possible even thus to imitate Christ. For he who copies the perfect impression of the seal, copies th”
  12. Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:17: followers--Greek, "imitators together." of me--as I am an imitator of Christ (Co1 11:1): Imitate me no farther than as I imitate Christ. Or as BENGEL "My fellow imitators of God" or "Christ"; "imitators of Christ together with me" (see on Phi 2:22; Eph 5:1). mark--for imitation. which walk so as ye have us for an ensample--In English Version of the former clause, the translation of this clause is, "those who are walking so as ye have an example in us." But in BENGEL'S translation, "inasmuch as," or "since," instead of "as."”
  13. Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
  14. Ephesians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ephesians 5:1: Here we have the exhortation to mutual love, or to Christian charity. The apostle had been insisting on this in the former chapter, and particularly in the last verses of it, to which the particle therefore refers, and connects what he had said there with what is contained in these verses, thus: "Because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you, therefore be you followers of God, or imitators of him;" for so the word signifies. Pious persons should imitate the God whom they worship, as far as he has revealed himself as imitable by them. They must conform themsel”
  15. Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 5 (introduction): EXHORTATIONS TO LOVE: AND AGAINST CARNAL LUSTS AND COMMUNICATIONS. CIRCUMSPECTION IN WALK: REDEEMING THE TIME: BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT: SINGING TO THE LORD WITH THANKFULNESS: THE WIFE'S DUTY TO THE HUSBAND RESTS ON THAT OF THE CHURCH TO CHRIST. (Eph. 5:1-33) therefore--seeing that "God in Christ forgave you" (Eph 4:32). followers--Greek, "imitators" of God, in respect to "love" (Eph 5:2): God's essential character (Jo1 4:16). as dear children--Greek, "as children beloved"; to which Eph 5:2 refers, "As Christ also loved us" (Jo1”
  16. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”
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