Give

Give

Give

What Would Jesus Do?

1

For some time now I have been fascinated by the bracelets that kids wear bearing the simple inscription, “WWJD.” I haven’t seen one of these bracelets in quite a while, but the suggestion they make encourages us to consider Jesus as an example for daily living. Not a bad thought.

In the 1990’s the slogan, “WWJD,” although not original to our generation, quickly caught on with Christian youth, and the bracelet fad spread across the entire spectrum of society. The term, tweaked somewhat, even became popular with corporate leadership training programs that stressed leading by example. What would Churchill do? What would Shackleton do? What would any successful person do? The suggestion was clear…everyone should follow good examples in order to achieve success.

But, is it really possible to follow Jesus’ example? Jesus was sinless. I cannot possibly follow the example of the sinless God-man. I can never speak with the same authority He did. I cannot speak Truth with the same intrinsic emphasis He did. And, certainly, I was not given the mission to die for sinners. Jesus is in a category all by Himself. Me, follow that example?

However, as impossible as following His example may seem, the idea behind the slogan, “WWJD,” actually points us in the proper direction…toward godliness. The bracelets impacted society and contributed to changing our everyday dialogue. Because of the bracelets, people began to consider the claims of Jesus. So, from that perspective “WWJD” was a positive concept, but did it answer the real question? The real question is, “Am I in the proper relationship to God? Not, “Am I doing enough (by following Jesus’ example) to merit that relationship?” We must remember that it is not the example of Jesus that counts. It is only the redeeming work of Jesus on the cross that insures our salvation.

Surely the example of Jesus’ life and teachings can inform us in moral and ethical matters. And, it is also true that conversion secures the “mind of Christ” in order for us to live rightly. With that mind, we ourselves become examples for others as we follow the example of Christ. That fact cannot be disputed. We are called upon to be kind, loving, peaceable, and gentle. In short, we are called upon to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit. We consider others more important than ourselves. Consequently, the moral law, which Jesus kept, acts for us like a mirror by showing us our sin and directing us in the process of sanctification. Brian Finnegan’s Sunday school class was most helpful in reminding us that it is God’s Spirit who is the real motivating factor for ethical living. And, the Spirit’s function instills within us the mind of Christ.

But, pagans can also be moral and ethical. In fact, pagans can even wear the bracelet and ask the question, “WWJD” and be content to follow the answer without thinking twice. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the entire population of Greenwood decided to follow the example of Jesus? Wow! What would that be like? No doubt it would be indescribably good. However, does following the example of Jesus in moral matters lead to the conversion of the soul? Liberals and others have long sought to affect a morality that changes bad habits and causes society to live in peace and harmony. But that is not Christianity! The Christian’s faith is not based on an example. It is based solely on the completed work of Jesus, His death and resurrection.

So, what’s the big thing about “WWJD?” It is just this, that we consider what Jesus has already done, or in other words, “WHJD,” what has Jesus done. The overwhelming thought of the disciples, as well as the early Christians, was that Jesus was not simply an example for their faith. They were not followers because of His example. They were followers because He was the object of their faith. And so He is of ours. Our sins are forgiven, not because we simply follow the example of Jesus. Our sins are forgiven when we trust on His finished work on the Cross. We are righteous only because our faith is grounded in the only One who is Righteous. We are not intrinsically righteous. No, our faith in Christ is reckoned to us as righteousness when we believe. Christ alone is righteous. It is what He has accomplished on our behalf that counts. Only with that understanding can we truly follow Him as an example.

1 Comment

"WHJD", love that!! We need bracelets to remind us we are empowered responders to the finished work of Jesus! That was such an encouraging article! Thank you for reminding us what sets us apart from a mere moral people.

Leave a Comment

Comments for this post have been disabled.