Several years ago, maybe even ten, a popular bracelet came out that many Christians wore. Inscribed on the bracelet in various fonts or colors were the letters, “WWJD?,” which stood for “What would Jesus Do?” So, of course I got a bracelet and immediately started wearing it. The intent, I am sure, was to make you stop and think, “Ok, in this situation or with this decision, what would Jesus do?”
I think going through this process was helpful for me……I found I got half as much done during the day. Half of my to do list didn’t get done, because I was very much trying to do what Jesus would do. I certainly at some point started catching myself (it took a while, in fact it took a long time) thinking before I spoke. Sometimes I would just walk away, mainly because I was in a war with myself over NOT wanting to put into action “WWJD!!!” LOL!!!! really…..I think maybe even God was shaking His head saying, “Ok, you wanna mess with me?”…. LOL …..thankfully He laughed and stayed in behind me like He always does….giving me more opportunities with the same circumstances….until I quit engaging in obstinate behavior…… and, instead, waved the WHITE FLAG. I had to start with areas that I at first was too comfortable in and where I too much enjoyed the stake I had driven in the ground. I am better now about being willing to ask that hard question of myself. But at times, and I sure it will be a lifetime, I get into a war with myself wanting to be ornery and not wanting to do the “WWJD?!” but what Sherry(the flesh) wants to do.
Today, I pose several questions based on this once popular bracelet:
- Where did the bracelets go??
- I wonder if it was too hard for people to ask themselves that question and then act?
- Or was it just a trendy thing?
- Like me, did it resonate?….. and you applied it? and, for whatever reason……you lost your bracelet?
For me, I lost mine. I didn’t feel that I needed to wear the reminder anymore……up until recently. This time I wrote it in my wallet. After finishing Andy Stanley’s book entitled, “How to Be Rich”, I realized I needed to ask myself the “WWJD?” with regard to my money……daily!!!! In the last four years I have been examining the “WWJD?” with how I spent my time and now God….wants me to ask that question about MONEY…..
So many passages give us examples of Jesus, reminding us to look to Him.
Philippians 2:1-4, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
- What area in your life do you need to ask “WWJD?” I invite you to ask the question, listen for the answer, and then as Nike would say, “JUST DO IT!”