Philippians 3:15–16

Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. [NASB]

Here the New American Standard version is the best translation. Remember, perfect means completely mature. If we aren’t there yet, we need to pray: “Lord, show me where my attitudes are wrong.” In the words of David, “Create in me a right spirit, O Lord.” We are to be never stepping back, always moving forward, pressing on to be as mature as possible by the time He calls us home. Do not give up—persevere.

Verse 3:17

Brothers & sisters, pattern your life on mine and carefully watch those walking in this model you have in us.

This is a sign of maturity, not arrogance. Once you get to a place where you know that people looking at your life will not see you, but Jesus in you, you can simply ask people to do what you are doing. This is part of the joy of listening to Joyce Meyer teach. This was the joy of listening to Oral Roberts or Billy Graham over the past decades. This was the attraction of Corrie Ten Boom.

However, you cannot do this when looking at a younger instead of an elder.

Many of our churches today are lead by youngers and there are no elders in the congregation. This is a really dangerous thing. You need to be looking for elders to oversee you. A fellowship without a true elder is in a really dangerous place.

Related articles

• Corrie Ten Boom – My Top 25 Favorite Quotes (crossquotes.org)
• What if I don’t feel like it? (mww1954.wordpress.com)