WWJD?

What Would Jesus Do?

Over the past ten to fifteen years, a popular saying among believers has been, “What would Jesus do”?  So popular in fact that the slogan graced many car bumpers and wrapped many wrists with the initials WWJD.  Many see it as a cute Christian catch phrase that was adopted by pop culture.  Others see it as a tangible way to make a decision in a tough situation.  Is it really that easy?

Every day, Christians attempt to reconcile faith and lifestyle based on their understanding of right and wrong, sin and righteousness.  But what is their “understanding”?  Is theirs right?  Is mine right?  Is it truth?  Rumor?  Hearsay? 

The understanding of Jesus is going to be different for each individual based on their experience with Him and their knowledge of His teachings.  People are people after all and bring their own desires and prejudices to the table when asking “WWJD”.  So, in essence, WWJD becomes WCIR (What Can I Rationalize?).  Thus, for the average person, relying on a slogan as a guidepost is reckless and imprudent at best. 

What are we to do?

 “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12b).  As believers, we have a responsibility to be faithful and obedient to God.  Being faithful and obedient means studying His word, trusting His word, and applying it to every aspect of our lives.  It means making time for prayer and devotion.  It means careful consideration of our choices, not reliance on a coin-flip or a catch phrase.  It means knowing that we serve a loving God who provided a real guidepost for our lives when He gave us the Bible. 

So, What Would Jesus Do?  Obviously it depends on the situation.  However, careful consideration through Bible study and prayerful meditation will allow believers to hear God’s will, enabling them to make the best decision.  Even Jesus prayed.

So, to answer the question “What Would Jesus Do?”; He would ask the Father for guidance.