Just Like Jesus
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Several decades ago, WWJD bracelets were all the rage. Many people I knew wore them, but the message on their wrists often had no effect on their lives. A man I worked with at Conoco wore one every day, yet he had the foulest mouth in the office. I wonder if he ever stopped to think, “What Would Jesus Do?” before he spoke?
To know what Jesus would do we only have to look at what he did.
When no one else would wash the apostles’ dirty feet, Jesus did the chore. (John 13)
He taught his followers to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44) and then demonstrated that love by asking his Father to “forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:24)
He encouraged the rich young ruler to “sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven.” (Luke 18:22) He practiced what he preached by owning nothing, not even having a place to lay his head. (Matthew 18:20)
What if for one day Jesus possessed your body and totally controlled you to live as he would? What would you be like?
What about movies? How many and what kind of shows would you (Jesus) watch?
What about your (Jesus’) social media posts? Would the ones about pandemics, masks, vaccines, or elections be any different?
What would you (Jesus) buy with your money? What would you (Jesus) not buy?
How would you (Jesus) act when driving in heavy traffic?
If one of your (Jesus’) unmarried friends got pregnant, how would you (Jesus) treat her and what would you (Jesus) encourage her to do?
Here’s the deal, and I bet you’re a step ahead of me: If you’re a Christian, Jesus does possess your body. He does control you to live as he would. At least, that the way it’s supposed to work. How often do you stop to think about what Jesus would do before you act?
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)