People Are Parables
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. Philippians 3:17 (NIV)
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Sometimes when people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them I’m a professional observer. That’s what writers do; they observe.
As a journalist, I use the time going in and coming out of interviews to observe. What books are on the shelf? What pictures are behind the desk? How does he greet me? How does she interact with her staff? What insight can I gain through observation?
The truth is we’re all observers; it’s one of the ways we learn. Paul understood this and so he said if you want to see what a Jesus-one looks like, then observe me and “those who live according to the pattern we gave you” (Philippians 3:17 NIV).
There is no conceit in Paul. He knew God designed us to look for models and to follow examples, so he’s saying, “Look, I haven’t arrived yet, but I’m pressing toward the goal, so follow me and follow those who are living according the truth you were taught” (Philippians 3:13–14 NIV, author paraphrase).
Modern research affirms Paul’s insight into human nature. In general, it’s estimated that only about ten percent of us are able to take abstract ideas and produce tangible results without illustration or some sort of “hands on” model. And that’s why when we “go therefore,” we’re to teach people to observe all things in Jesus (based in Matthew 28:20 NKJV).
Words may be important to share certain concepts. Nevertheless, growing together is not found in sharing words alone, but in sharing life.
We see Jesus, and then Paul modeling Jesus, investing consistently in the lives of others. They shared life with others on a daily basis, so others could observe an example of how God reproduces himself in and through us as we trust in him.
Jon Walker is the author of “Growing with Purpose: Connecting with God Every Day.” This article is copyrighted 2010 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
