Do you remember when you saw WWJD everywhere—on bracelets and T-shirts and even bumper stickers… What Would Jesus Do?
It’s an interesting question, one that can often make you stop and evaluate your actions and decisions. Of course, we don’t always know what Jesus would do today, but the fact is that, as Christians, we are Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27), here to do his work on earth. And the First Epistle of Peter tells us plainly that Christ left us an example, that we “should follow his steps” (2:21).
But how can you walk (and talk and act) like Jesus?
1. Read the New Testament carefully and note exactly what Jesus did and said.
Remember that he said the two most important commandments are to love God with everything you have and to love your neighbors as yourself (Mark 12:28-34). Jesus loved God’s Word. Every time Satan tempted him, he answered with a verse from the Bible (Matthew 4:1-11).
2. Make time to pray every day.
It helps to have a special place and time for prayer. But no matter where you are—washing dishes, waiting for the subway, walking on the treadmill—God is close by, ready to listen. You will find that the more you pray, the more you want to pray. Jesus talked continually with his Heavenly Father, sometimes praying all night (Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12).
3. Reach out to others with the Good News.
Notice how much time Jesus spent with everyone he met, explaining the Good News of God’s love and supplying their needs. When Jesus was asked how to love our neighbors, he told the famous story of the Good Samaritan who found a man who had been beaten up and robbed, and who took him to an inn—the only hospital available in Jesus’ time—and paid to have him cared for (Luke 10:25-37).
Note, too, how fearlessly Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of his day for their false pride and their apparent disdain for everyone unlike themselves (Matthew 23:13-15). So be generous with your love and stingy with your judgments!
Still, Jesus was no workaholic. There were times when he left the crowds coming to him and went away to rest and pray (Luke 5:15-16). There is a time to work and a time to relax…it’s what Jesus would do.
