What Would Jesus Do?

What Would Jesus Do? – Fad or Compass For Life’s Choices
“What Would Jesus Do?” (WWJD) is a question that almost everyone is familiar with. Chances are you’ve seen this catchy phrase strung on lanyards, on a co-worker’s coffee mug, on the bumper of the car in front of you, or even on “Bill Board’s Top 200” chart (WWJD Album). How did these four letters become so popular, sparking a cultural revolution of sorts in the youth of America? Is this merely a fad spun by cunning retailers to sell “Christian paraphernalia,” or does this question really have significance for the way we should live our lives?

What Would Jesus Do? – How This All Came About
“What Would Jesus Do?” all started with a youth group from the Calvary Reformed Church of Holland, Michigan. As members of “Generation X,” they wanted to influence their community for Christ. Inspired by the 1896 Charles Sheldon Book, “In His Steps” (which asked the same query), these youths were moved to apply this question to the daily choices that they all faced. As a tangible reminder, they had simple cloth bracelets made that used the abbreviation, WWJD. The bracelets caught the attention of friends, classmates, parents, and town’s people. Soon, almost everyone was wearing one of these bracelets. As their popularity grew, the bracelets were mass-marketed, causing the retail revolution that we see today.

To the youths of Calvary Reformed Church in Michigan, “What Would Jesus Do?” had nothing to do with fad, popularity or wealth. They asked this question because their lives had been transformed by what Jesus taught and did about 2,000 years ago. They desired to influence their community by living their lives the way Christ taught. They wanted to give their faith a tangible connection to their everyday lives.

What Would Jesus Do? – The Answer Depends on Whether we Know Jesus
Before we can ask the question “What would Jesus do?” we must ask ourselves whether we know Jesus. Knowing Jesus begins with reading about His life, teachings and claims in the Bible. However, reading the Bible as literature alone only helps us to learn ABOUT Jesus. To truly KNOW Him requires a personal, spiritual relationship with Him. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

What Would Jesus Do? Let’s Make the Question Truly Relevant!
Before asking, “What Would Jesus Do?” we must truly ask, “Who is Jesus?” Is Jesus merely a historical figure — a good man, a teacher, or a prophet? Or is He God incarnate who came to earth about 2,000 years ago to die for the sins of all mankind? Jesus Himself asked His disciples this very same question. Why? Because He knew that what they believed about Him would have a significant bearing on how they would live their lives for Him (see Matthew 16:13-17). Likewise, if we believe Jesus for who He claims to be (God incarnate — John 1:1-3) and for what He did on Earth (died for our sins — John 3:16), then we can truly accept Him as our Lord and Savior. He will then come into our life and reveal Himself to us in Spirit, allowing us to genuinely ask the question “What would Jesus do?”

“What would Jesus do?” is an irrelevant question for many people because they don’t know who Jesus is. They wear the four letters (WWJD) on their T-shirts or wristbands without truly learning about the life and teaching of Jesus, and make life’s choices based on what they – themselves — THINK Jesus should do. The question “What would Jesus do?” is powerful and life-changing only for those who truly know Jesus and have surrendered their lives to Him. Learn about Jesus and pursue a life-changing relationship with Him that will bring everlasting joy, peace and purpose into your life!