This week I was encouraged by hearing someone rhetorically ask, ‘What would Jesus do?’ in relation to the trials the world is facing right now. It made me think about how as Christians, we should apply this to every decision we face. Especially when the right decision may be overshadowed by our own emotions. This is definitely something I am guilty of! How much more effective would our decisions be if we considered, ‘What would Jesus do?’. What impact could we make with our actions? Could this strengthen our relationship with Jesus?
The bible lays out some basic instructions for us to carry out and remember, and immediately if we do these, then we have already begun to answer, ‘What would Jesus do?’
One of the most challenging things we must overcome is to love our enemies. If we are honest, sometimes it would be a lot easier not to. But Jesus commands us to love them, and to do good to those who hate us. (Luke 6:27). We are ordered to bless them and pray for those who persecute us. (Matthew 5:44). Whether the person you are struggling with is in work, school, university or even church, pray for them and love them. If Jesus, with his dying breath, in complete compassion and love, can pray for those who put him to death, we must pray for a friend or family member who has hurt us. Especially if they are our brother or sister in Christ.
At the beginning of this year, I promised myself instead of letting worries consume my thoughts I would pray about them aloud and refuse to give them more thought space. Let me tell you- it worked! Do you know that the bible instructs us to ‘fear not’ 365 times? A constant daily reminder. Amazing!
It is so easy to fall into the downwards spiral of the media and surrounding opinions and influences which fuel fear. God provides for the sparrow, and he clothes the lilies in a beauty unmatched by even Solomon in all his glory, so how much do we think he cares for us? God is faithful. God is trustworthy. God is righteous. He always keeps his promises. ALWAYS. So, how dare we let fear consume us when he has ensured we are reminded of this every day of the year.
Consider how Jesus conquered fear in the wilderness when he was tempted by Satan. When the enemy was coming at him, how did he retaliate? With God’s Word. The Father was His refuge. The Father’s faithfulness was his shield. He trusted his Father. (Matthew 4:1-11).
Be honest with God. Talk to him. Hand over your anxieties to him. Cry out to him. There is power in prayer, (James 5:16). There is power in the name of Jesus. (Philippians 2:9-10). So, proclaim his name. Proclaim it over every worry. You will instantly find peace when you begin to put faith over fear.
Helping those in need is a blessing, and it is really quite simple. When you love and help serve those in need, you love and serve Christ. (Matthew 25:35). Jesus has taught us that we should give from the bounty of our blessing, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” (Luke 3:11).
Caring for and helping individuals was a task Jesus carried out daily. He was constantly approached by people, and always had the time to stop and help. I love the parable of the Good Samaritan; it is the perfect example of how we must love our neighbour (even if they are unknown to us!) and to always have a helping hand to give.
I have mentioned prayer already, but I cannot emphasise its importance, impact and reassurance enough. There are several records of Jesus praying to his Father. At his baptism (Luke 3:21-22), all night before he chose his 12 disciples (Luke 6:12-13), when healing (Mark 7:31-37), at Calvary (Luke 23:46), and so on. So, if we really want to consider what Jesus would do in every situation, the most significant answer is, PRAY.
There are so many more things we could consider of how we could aim to be more like Jesus, or what he would do. But it is important to remember that he is our perfect role model. On earth, he was the word made flesh. Perfection is completely out of our reach, but God isn’t. Seek Jesus in every high and every low. Grow closer to him. Remembering to also ask … yourself consistently
What would Jesus do?
Worship song:
Awake my Soul by Hillsong
“There is a sound that changes things
The sound of His people on their knees.”
Verse:
But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 4:29
A great read!