In the modern church, in our individualistic society, I'm afraid we have largely lost this concept. In a mega-church with 2000 people attending, where you can't possibly know all the other members of the body, how can you possibly apply this verse?
How can someone follow you as you follow Christ, if they don't even know you exist?
The church is to be Christ's body. We are all members together and should be so closely linked that when one is in pain or need, we all feel that pain and need. This can't happen if you show up to church and leave.
The whole concept of discipleship is lost when we become so disconnected from each other. Someone, right now, should know you well enough, and you should be living your life in such a way where they can say, "I've seen them following Christ so closely, that if I follow them, I'll be on the right track." And the reverse should also be true - you should have someone you are looking to as we all follow after Christ.
I love how Matthew Henry puts it, "Paul not only preached such doctrine as they ought to believe, but led such a life as they ought to imitate. "Be ye followers of me,' that is, "Be imitators of me; live as you see me live.' Note, Ministers are likely to preach most to the purpose when they can press their hearers to follow their example. Yet would not Paul be followed blindly neither. He encourages neither implicit faith nor obedience. He would be followed himself no further than he followed Christ. Christ's pattern is a copy without a blot; so is no man's else. Note, We should follow no leader further than he follows Christ. Apostles should be left by us when they deviate from the example of their Master."
I love how Matthew Henry puts it, "Paul not only preached such doctrine as they ought to believe, but led such a life as they ought to imitate. "Be ye followers of me,' that is, "Be imitators of me; live as you see me live.' Note, Ministers are likely to preach most to the purpose when they can press their hearers to follow their example. Yet would not Paul be followed blindly neither. He encourages neither implicit faith nor obedience. He would be followed himself no further than he followed Christ. Christ's pattern is a copy without a blot; so is no man's else. Note, We should follow no leader further than he follows Christ. Apostles should be left by us when they deviate from the example of their Master."
Do you know anyone well enough to know that you can follow them as they follow Christ? Does anyone know you well enough where they could do the same to you? Are you living a life that is worth following?
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