A biblical “mandate for reading Christian biography.”

Mar 24, 2025

Discover the transformative power of following Christ's example through the lives of others. Dive into the importance of Christian biographies and how they can inspire your spiritual journey. The conversation emphasizes gratitude for mentors who've shaped your faith. Additionally, a new book is introduced, promising fresh insights into the lives of influential Christian figures. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions that encourage you to emulate godly values and appreciate the models around you.

Ask episode

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

Following Christ Through the Lives of Others

00:00 • 4min

Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at http://TWBWFoundations.com

Series: Wisdom for Work from Philippians
Devotional: 3 of 4

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)

Today’s passage is exemplary of a command we see all throughout Paul’s letters, perhaps most famously in 1 Corinthians 11:1 where the apostle said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

Paul understood that becoming more like Christ requires us seeing flesh-and-bone models of others following Christ. And so Paul encouraged his readers to look to him as an animated, three-dimensional case study of how to glorify God in a cultural context similar to their own.

Paul’s words point to an important principle: If you want to know what it looks like practically to glorify God, look first to Christ and second to Christ’s followers.

Let me suggest you respond to that principle in two practical ways.

First, send a message thanking someone whose example you’ve followed as they’ve followed Christ. Who are the men and women God has used to form who you are spiritually and professionally? A parent? A former boss? Your pastor? A mentor God used to kick-start your career? Whoever just came to mind, send them a note right now thanking them for giving you a godly example worth imitating.

Second, read more Christian biographies. I read a lot of biographies of other Christians. Because case studies make the commands of Christ stickier in my mind. The authors of Made to Stick explain why, saying, “A story is powerful because it provides the context missing from abstract prose.” That’s the power of biography.

And oh by the way, Scripture commands that we learn from the Christian leaders who came before us. Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Commenting on this verse pastor John Piper says this is “a mandate for reading Christian biography.”

Unfortunately, most biographies are tearfully boring and way too long. That’s why I’m reimagining the genre with my next book which will introduce you to five mere Christians whose examples you and I would be wise to follow because of how well they followed the example of Christ in their work.