What Would Jesus Do?
I just finished reading In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon. This is the book that launched the WWJD? movement - the concept of Christians asking what Jesus would do in their particular situation. So, I guess this post is somewhat of a book review mixed with my own personal opinions.
Basic synopsis: a pastor challenges the members of his church to live for a year, making every decision in their lives by asking what Jesus would do in their particular situation. The book proceeds to tell the story of how this commitment is lived out (or not) by those who accept the challenge - the effects on the community and beyond.
A couple things bothered me about the story. As people accepted the challenge and were confronted with decisions, they began to make lists of what they believed Jesus would do in their place. Part of me liked that because I enjoy lists and rules - I like to know what is expected of me. But I also realize that by making our own lists and focusing on our expectations of how the Lord can work, we often prevent ourselves from seeing His work in our lives. Also, throughout the book, there seems to be a line drawn between the wealthy, high-class people of the church who take the challenge and the poor, low-class people who seem to be the recipients of the church members’ kindness. To me, it read as though only those who are wealthy and societally important are able to be vessels of God’s grace to others. And that only those who are poor and taking part in blatant sin can be recipient’s of this grace. Seems like a furtherance of the already prevalent caste-like system within American Christianity.
But there is a good side to the story. What kind of effect would it have on all of our lives if everyone who proclaims to be a Christian honestly made their decisions by asking what Jesus would do? How would that change business? And music? And publications? And the way we approach ministry? If we were making our decisions based on Jesus alone, how would that change our view of others? What would it look like to be walking each moment in His steps?
2 years ago • Notes