Are We Walking in Paul’s Sandals?    

“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 NLT

The apostle Paul was the greatest teacher and example in living the Christian life outside of Jesus Christ Himself. Paul was a vessel chosen of Christ to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and sons of Israel. (Acts 9:15) Paul was taught by the Lord, the greatest teacher, so he knew what he was talking about. He also wrote one half of the New Testament under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He wrote to several churches and individuals inspiring and teaching them all to live godly and according to their calling in Christ Jesus. Paul also led by example.

Paul’s words of instruction are just as much for us today as it was for those early Christians. In writing to the church at Philippi, Paul encouraged them to, “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (Ph.4:9 nlt) As we apply Paul’s words to ourselves in 2025, how are we doing? Are we walking in his sandals?

It is a much bigger responsibility than most of us may realize. It’s not just living the godly life but living in such a way that we are influencing the next generation for Christ. Are we setting Christlike examples for others to follow on a consistent basis? Paul opens up his life for examination to the Philippians by saying to follow his example in everything they heard him say and do. It is a bold statement that is more challenging than I’d like to admit, but it is what Paul is instructing us to do. So, again the question is, are we walking in Paul’s sandals?