It is quite a thing to say, “follow my example.” Few would want to put themselves to that kind of scrutiny. Even in doing so, Paul seems to be shedding the things that would make him a hero to follow, including his high status as a Pharisee and an expert in the law. Yet here he is, devoid of accolades, putting himself out front. Of course, he is not there alone. If we are following Jesus, there is always someone in front of us, and if we’re following him, we’re leading others in the right direction.