"Follow Who Follows Christ"

Grace and Peace My Ekklesia Family

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT)

"And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ."

The Apostle Paul makes a bold statement to the believers in Corinth: Follow me. But notice that He does not stop there—he continues, as I imitate Christ. Paul wasn’t asking the church to follow his personality, preferences, or imperfections. He was pointing them to a greater standard—Jesus Himself.

In a world filled with influencers, platforms, and personalities, it is easy to follow the loudest voice instead of the voice of truth. Some people lead well. Others lead with charisma but lack character. That is why spiritual discernment is necessary. We must never follow someone simply because they look spiritual—we follow those whose lives reflect the One they claim to represent.

There are times when people will disappoint us. Titles do not guarantee integrity. Platforms do not guarantee purity. Popularity does not guarantee godliness.

Paul understood something many struggle with today:

A true leader does not point people to themselves—

A true leader points people back to Jesus.

Christ remains the perfect model of how to live, how to love, and how to walk in holiness. Men and women may falter, leaders may fail, but Christ remains the same—faithful, righteous, true, and worthy of imitation.

1. Not Everyone Is Worth Following.

Some people talk about Christ but don’t live like Him.

Discernment protects you from deception.

2. The Holy Spirit Helps Us Recognize Christlike Character.

The fruit of someone’s life tells the truth louder than their words.

3. Jesus Is the Standard. Always.

We honor leaders, but we worship Christ.

We learn from others, but we pattern ourselves after Him.

Ask yourself daily:

Does this example point me toward Christ or away from Him?

Am I following convenience, personality, or truth?

Am I becoming more like Jesus in my thoughts, words, and behavior?

Following Christ is not passive—it’s intentional alignment with His ways.

Let's Pray

Lord Jesus, teach me to follow You with clarity and conviction. Guard my heart from false examples and give me discernment to recognize what is true, holy, and pleasing in Your sight. Make my life reflect Your character, and help me walk in humility, wisdom, and obedience. May I follow those who follow You—not just in word, but in lifestyle and love. Amen.

Declaration of Faith

"I will follow Christ above all else. He is my model, my example, and my standard."

Invitation to Discipleship

If you're ready to grow deeper, walk closer with Jesus, and follow the example of Christ—not culture—we invite you to keep walking with Him and with us here at Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries. There is room for you to grow, learn, and walk in truth.

Love you more than you know.

Peace and blessings,

Pastor Stephän Kirby