Holy Watching

"Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do." Philippians 3:17 TNIV

This verse is attached to those following, however, I believe there is a principle here that we need to consider.

The Holy Spirit, through Paul, is instructing the precious Christians in Philippi to keep their eyes on those who are living, working and teaching according to the Gospel of freedom in Christ Jesus.

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age..." Titus 2:11-12 TNIV 

This marvelous gospel of our Lord that has brought us love and grace without measure has an automatic empowerment of holy living embedded within its reality. So Paul is telling them to keep their eyes on people who live in a way that is obviously God's.

Who we watch, just like who we read, have a lot to do with who we admire and therefore the influence in our lives is huge. If we are watching and admiring examples that are worldly and   not God's, then our way of life and thinking will be compromised. So the principle I see here is to watch and read and admire those who follow our Lord in truth and integrity before the world.

The Spirit calls us to an alertness in this area. There are many distractions always around us pleading for us to look, desire and follow. This principle will guard us in these areas.