What Would Jesus Do?
By Karen D’Amore
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1
In 1989, the WWJD movement emerged from the inspiration of Charles Sheldon’s novel In His Steps. The primary theme of the book—total commitment to Christ—is wrapped in a story about a congregation’s yearlong pledge not to do anything without first asking the question, "What would Jesus do?" By Karen D’Amore
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1
Recently I was rummaging through an old box of jewelry when I came across an original WWJD bracelet. Ironically, I was wrestling with a decision when the bracelet prompted me to pause and consider…What would Jesus do? My husband and I were days away from leaving on a desperately needed vacation and an opportunity to re-unite with family and distant friends. We had waited two years for timing, finances and an affordable travel deal to finally align.
However, just days before our departure, complications from a surgical procedure immobilized my mother-in-law. With my father-in-law left to care for her alone, his own physical limitations could make the task quite difficult. Furthermore, while out-of-state, I would be missing the memorial service of a precious elderly client, to whose family I had grown extremely close.
Jesus knew the concerns of my heart…the need for my husband and me to get away…stewardship of cancellation fees…and the desire to minister to the unsaved.
As I asked WWJD, I had to first go back and look at WDJD…What did Jesus do? Jesus, our role model, pleased His Father by giving Himself for others. His ultimate example of love was when He laid down His life for each one of us. To follow in His footsteps, our lives should be a continual out-giving on behalf of others. WDWD…What did we do? We modeled Christ’s example by canceling our trip and were blessed with a priceless opportunity to show God’s love to others.
Initials, carved on a worn bracelet, prompted a simple question and produced life- and faith-altering results. As Christ followers, we are called to imitate Jesus—to live as He would, to love as He does and to sacrifice as He did. WWYD…What will you do?
GOING DEEPER:
1. Practice prefacing your thoughts and actions with WWJD and see the difference that it makes.
WWJD…are you wearing it or living it?
FURTHER READING:
1 Peter 2:21; John 13:13-15; Philippians 2:13-14
Married to husband Dan, Karen manages Intrigue Salon & Spa, is the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study, and co-leads a freshman girls’ small group.
