The Weekly Perspective
by Burke Shade, Assistant Pastor
Many years ago, fellow Christians would ask, as they
wrangled through ethical or obedience questions, What
Would Jesus Do? WWJD?
Well, that’s not the right question, because that question leaves the answer in Jesus’ court, and leaves it theoretical. “Well, I think Jesus would do such and such. I’m not sure; one can never answer these things. And who knows; he’s God!”
No, the right question is, “What would Jesus have you do?” What has Jesus revealed in his Word about your actions in this type of situation? What would please Jesus, whose name you bear, having been baptized and claimed by him, having been bought with a price, with his blood upon the cross?
The right answer is the revealed answer. For example: Honor your father and mother. That’s the fifth commandment. The next question might be: How could you honor them in this situation? The answer: obey their commands; be kind; be respectful, be patient. All good answers from Ephesians 6.1-3 and Galatians 5, where one finds the fruits of the Spirit.
What would Jesus have you do? He would have you do unto others what you would want them to do for you. He would want you to serve others, to take the lead and minister to others in a way that you would like done to yourself. He would want you to die to yourself, and imitate him. And he would want you to do it without being asked!
Do you see how helpful the Bible is? How clear God’s word is? How direct it is? How reassuring in the midst of confusing and uncertain situations?