1st Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Here in this brief passage of scripture is laid out before us one of the most solemn and weighty responsibilities to ever fall upon all those who name the name of Christ, for what the apostle Paul is actually saying to the Corinthians, is that they can safely do whatsoever they saw him doing. Christians are set as beacons of light in a benighted world, and as such we are the only "Jesus" many people will ever see, therefore it is the will of God that a correct representation of His character, and a practical application of the truths of His word be at all times manifested in those who have been the recipients of His grace and salvation.
Wherever we go and whatever we do, we are being watched and observed, not only as examples of what Christianity means, but in some cases from a critical point of view, to see whether or not our actions are in harmony with the truths that we teach and advocate. That's why the bible teaches us the sacred duty of doing everything to the honor and glory of God.
The main reason why satan tempts spiritual leaders to sin, and those whom we look up to as role models to become embroiled in shameful, degrading acts, is because he knows that most people play that now famous game, "Follow the leader", and thus he exerts his satanic energies and wily arts to topple those who are held in high regard.
As a general rule of thumb, most people do not rise higher in moral standards than their spiritual and secular leaders, and therefore Christians who represent the greatest leader of all time are encouraged and required to walk soberly and circumspectly at all times. This sacred duty is enjoined in several passages of scripture, and it's repetition tells us of its great importance. Let's read:
Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
1st Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
The recent sexual scandals that have rocked the Christian world have done very serious damage to the cause of Christ in the earth, and those who are guilty will one day be held accountable by God. Especially is this true in the case of bishops, priests, and televangelists, who have by their lewd behavior, lowered the standard of morality in the minds of many, hence the reason why we see a steady decline in the moral fabric of society, which according to the scriptures, is scheduled to get much worse before Christ's comes. Let's read:
2nd Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
It is therefore incumbent upon all who are called Christians, to live as Jesus lived and to walk as Jesus walked. In our work ethics, in our interactions with our fellowmen, in our response to verbal abuse, in our reactions to our violated rights and freedoms, in our business transactions, in our social lives, in our entertainment, in our eating and drinking and in whatsoever we do, we should at all times and in all places be able to say to those around us, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. This is not always easy to do, for there are times in our lives when human nature tries to get the better of us, but the scriptures teach us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture that should encourage us to set the right example in all things, for God is more than able to strengthen and keep those who trust in Him. Let's read:
2nd Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May this be the experience of all Christians everywhere, for as long as life shall last. "Good night" and God bless!