A Personal Reflection: Do You Have the Guts to Say This?

from Patrick Morley

Volume 321
April 27, 2009

To say with confidence, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1) is, to me, the ultimate achievement of a disciple. I’ve always felt that way, yet I had never said it.

That all changed a few days ago at our Man in the Mirror Bible Study, when I finally had the guts to say it.

Why did I wait so long? I’m not sure. Maybe because I know what a sinner I am. Maybe it’s a lack of self-confidence. For sure, I’ve never felt worthy enough to make such a statement. Still don’t. And I’ve never wanted to set myself up for failure, or to embarrass the Lord.

So what changed? I just think I have been artificially limiting my leadership and disciple-making potential. For a leader, isn’t being an example the goal?

But won’t people think I’m drawing attention to myself? Maybe. Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) said in the movie Days of Thunder, “I’m more afraid of being nothing than I am of being hurt.” To paraphrase, “I’m more afraid of failing my mission than I am of someone getting the wrong idea.”

Besides, if after walking with Christ for 35 years I can’t point to real progress in my sanctification, wouldn’t Christianity be a farce? But my life really has changed. As J. B. Phillips said, “If Christianity failed where it is accepted there would be grounds for complaint, but it does not so fail.”

For your own personal reflection: Do you have the guts to say, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ”? Let me know your answer.

Does this need more attention in the church?

Yours for changed lives,

Patrick Morley, Ph.D.