Kids who were in school in the 1980’s were inundated with the expression “Just say ‘NO’!”
My generation (the 1990’s) had another slogan that defined the era: WWJD.
What Would Jesus Do?
It’s a clever little slogan that reinforced the idea that Jesus lived a life of temptation and endured and if young people follow His example they will never be steered wrong. And boy was that slogan everywhere. It was on bracelets, necklaces, t-shirts and backwards-turned hats; it was on tattoos, billboards, pencils and baseball bats!
Unfortunately, I don’t have a new slogan to debut that can compare to the simple genius of that one. But I do want to offer a new perspective on that old idea. Instead putting yourself in Jesus’ shoes sandals, why not put Jesus in yours! Whatever the scenario is, whatever the temptation may be, just pause and replace yourself with Jesus. Now Jesus is faced with the temptation…and He asks Himself “What Would HE Do…” or “What Would SHE Do…”
Now pause right there. How comfortable are you with that happening? Would you want Jesus asking “What would YOU do” in any given situation? Would you want Him handling a situation the way YOU would handle it?
Thankfully Jesus doesn’t emulate us; He calls us to emulate Him. Nevertheless, we ought to be living lives that Jesus could emulate: lives that are holy and pure, distinct from the world and shining the light of God:
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.Matthew 5:14-16
If we’re not letting that light shine… if we wouldn’t want Jesus following in our footsteps…we should probably choose to do something else. Something Jesus would do.
Think about it!
Have a great day!
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