And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”
29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
The Imitation Game is a 2014 American period biographical thriller film based on the 1983 biography Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing, who decrypted German intelligence messages for the British government during World War II. I thought of this film as I reflected on Paul’s comment that he wished that those to whom he was speaking, “might become such as I am—except for these chains.” He, of course, was wishing that they would become repentant believers, and followers of Jesus Christ.
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). He was holding up his life as worthy to be imitated. Paul echos the same thought in Philippians 3:17. My study Bible note points us to Christ [who] is always the preeminent example, yet in the day-to-day living of the Christian life, it is also helpful to have someone close at hand as an example and model.
I think of men whom I’ve mentioned previously: Robert Lange, my pastor while I was in College and preparing to head off for the seminary. Merle Wagner, a faithful former missionary then serving as the circuit counselor when I was fresh out of the seminary. Michael Newman, our current Texas District President. Jeff Gibbs, a classmate of mine who showed incredible patience and tenacity when he presented at a conference I had helped organize. Each with different gifts. Each with Christ in their hearts. Each living in such a manner that I could see Christ forming their minds and manners.
It’s a pretty high honor to serve as someone’s mentor, inviting someone to do as we do. It’s not for someone who says, “Do as I say, not as I do.” We are inviting someone to watch us, and learn from us, and see how we navigate difficult decisions, resist temptation, and honor Christ with our witness.
I’m sure Paul failed from time to time. In fact he shares his struggle with temptation and sin in his letter to the Romans when he says, “The good that I want to do, I do not do” (Romans 7:19-25). So it’s not about never sinning. It is about resisting temptation, repenting when we do sin, and continuing to repent and believe the gospel every day. That’s the one place I’d be happy for people to imitate me: a life of daily repentance and faith, and a renewed desire to serve Christ, loving God and my neighbor.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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