W.W.J.D.

I read Our Daily Bread this morning, and it reminded me of something I said when the W.W.J.D. fad was at its apex. The writer suggested that W.D.J.D. was far more important. It is funny, but when I said it, no one seemed all that impressed. When the devotion was given to the editor of the devotional, it was accepted and printed. Perhaps it is the timing, but whatever has caused them to include it, I was happy to see it, and I pray that it will produce faith unto salvation.

There are three important facts concerning the example of Jesus:

W.D.J.D. - What Did Jesus Do?" is the foundational question every man, woman, and child needs to be able to answer. It is absolutely essential that Christians tell the lost about the love of God for them, expressed in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son of God according to the Scriptures (Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-4). It is the Good News, the Gospel, that has the power to bring the lost to salvation (Rom. 1:16). Until one has committed himself to Christ, it really doesn't matter what Jesus would do in any given circumstance.

W.W.J.D. - "What Would Jesus Do?" is appropriate for Christians facing the decisions of life on a daily basis. Believers, those who He expects to follow His example and teachings, have to make choices as to what they should say and do in every situation. Sometimes, the answer is obvious; I should help those in need, and I should not take what does not belong to me. But there are times when we are confronted with a choice that is less clear. Should I always, in every circumstance, tell the truth? Jesus answered Satan using Scripture, and He refused to answer on another occasion (Matt. 4:1-11; Lk. 20:1-8). Another time, He wisely answered by asking a question which put His enemies on the defensive (Lk. 20:21-25). The bottom line is, we may not know what Jesus would say or do in a given situation, but we should make every effort to follow His example when we do. One day soon, we will know if we made the right choices.

W.W.J.D. - "What Will Jesus Do?" is nearly as important to the Christian living in the present, as what Jesus has already done. Believing what Jesus did in the past for us is how we became Christians, but believing what Jesus will do now and in the future, is what gives us the hope and courage we need to face life today. As believers, we know that He works every facet of our lives for good, because we love Him and He loves us (Rom. 8:28). We know He will never leave nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). We know that we will one day be like Him (1 Jn. 3:2). We know that He has prepared a place for us to live with God forever (Jn. 14:1-3). We know He is presently making intercession for us to the Father (Rom. 8:34). "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow," and also today!

The real question is: W.W.Y.D.F.J. - "What Will You Do For Jesus?"