1 John 2:6 ESV  whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

Dear Fellowship of the Burning Heart:

WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) was a popular slogan back in the day (a few years ago). Some had a problem with it, but I always thought that it was an appropriate question to ask. I do miss the T-shirts, necklaces and bracelets, bookmarks, and other paraphernalia. What can I spend my money on now to show I’m a follower or what can I give to a young person now to help them become disciples? Oh well, aside from my personal problems (which are many) I do miss the slogan. However, nothing prevents me from asking the question now (if I can remember to do so).

John says that the person who abides (remains or lives) in him must walk as Jesus walked. WWJD? The question is appropriate, because we are to be followers of Christ and imitators of his way of life. So, WWJD?

Looking at the Gospels we find several important things to keep in mind.

1. He was concerned about doing the Father’s will.  “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. (John 5:30 ESV)  Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. (John 4:34 ESV) Thus, WWJD? He would do the will of the Father even if it meant he had to sacrifice all for him. “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’” (Matthew 26:39 ESV)
2. He was concerned about pursuing the life of a servant.  “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 ESV) “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10 ESV) Jesus showed us what a life of service looks like: feeding the hungry, healing the sick, offering encouragement to the downtrodden. But he served humanity best when he offered himself as our substitute, sacrificing himself for our sin and providing for our salvation. WWJD? He would give till it hurt.
3. He was concerned about showing the love of God in the face of hostility and adversity. “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hebrews 12:3 ESV) WWJD? He would pray, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34 ESV) WWJD? He would tell his disciples to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44 ESV)

Can you walk as Jesus walked? WWJD still makes a lot of sense when seeking to face the hard choices and dilemmas that come our way. How can you know WWJD? You need to stay in touch with the Scriptures, especially the Gospels, to answer this question. But once you have the answer, you have no excuse. You should walk as he walked. The Lord is watching to strengthen and encourage. Believers are watching to see if you are one of us. The world is watching to see if your faith is real. WWYD?¹

¹What Will You Do?