Imitators of Paul

 In Corinthians 4, Paul writes about his ministry and it is very telling of his attitude of humility to God.

1 Corinthians 4: Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.  

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

Why would anyone be puffed up against another, with all that God has given us? Sadly modern Christianity has a ways to go on this. People can be very cruel in the name of religion. We all fall into that trap sometimes, by our thoughts and actions. I know it all too well.  

Later on in the same chapter, Paul tells the Corinthian church to be followers (mimetes, imitation) of him, specifically his manner of action that portrays the purpose of the risen Lord.

I Corinthians 4:16Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

Romans through Thessalonians is what Paul taught. Paul did not teach Paul. His humble message is about the  active impact of the resurrection on an individual life and subsequently a group of believers.  It is in 'passive' Christianity that people run into problems with themselves and each other.  Paul taught people about the power of God operable in their own lives. That's the business of reconciliation.