What Have You Done?

You guys remember the popular phrase in the 1990s “What Would Jesus Do”? It was supposed to be a reminder to act in a certain manner that accurately reflects the love of Jesus and a moral standard of how to act, respond, and essentially live daily. At least, that was supposed to be the plan. It didn’t originate in the 90’s and can be traced as far back as 1421, believe it or not.

After some time, like most things that are important but religious in nature, they became a parody as did this movement of sorts. How well did that bracelet or t-shirt remind us of our responsibilities as a believer in Jesus Christ? Are we truly willing to do what Jesus did?

The holiday season is a fitting cautionary tale of commitment being tested. Sadly, this is the time of year (guess you can include the Summer as well) where events, activities, and such are scheduled (or unscheduled and spontaneous) in favor of what we have previously committed. There is a proverb that teaches us that integrity requires that we do what we promise and do not change, even it hurts. (Psalms 15:4) That’s essentially a lesson on character and sacrifice. It’s not easy to do but necessary to walk like Christ, our fitting example, did. Isn’t that what the believer of Jesus Christ is supposed to do?

Apply this where you see fit. Evaluate the cracks and crevices of your life. Look at you first. Do you put your family before your commitment to Christ? Are you viewing your duties to your church as equal or different from your duty to the Lord Himself? Is a “little white lie” acceptable because God knows your heart? Are you honestly willing to do what Jesus did? Are you willing to follow His example? Here is an example of what Jesus asks of us. Ponder this in the mirror of your commitments and with maturity as the goal.

As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead!l Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.” Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.” But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:57-62)