We often think of Jesus as a figure from long ago, but what would He call out if He walked among us today? Jesus was all about love, compassion, and truth, and some of our behaviors today would probably leave Him shaking His head. Let’s look at 17 modern actions that might be checked off His list.
Turning a Blind Eye to Corruption
Jesus hated injustice, and corruption is the worst kind of injustice. Whether it’s in politics, business, or everyday life, turning a blind eye to dishonest behavior is a far cry from what Jesus taught us. Just think about all those moments when we could’ve spoken up but didn’t. Staying silent while corruption ruins lives and hurts the innocent would definitely be called out because Jesus would want us to do something about it.
Ignoring the Poor
Jesus spent much of His time helping the poor and needy, but what about us? How often do we walk past someone in need without even a second glance? Ignoring the less fortunate is something Jesus would seriously question. His teachings were all about lifting others up, especially those struggling the most. So, next time we see someone in need, maybe we should rethink our actions.
Being Judgmental
Let’s face it—we’ve all been guilty of being judgmental at some point. But here’s the issue: Jesus clearly said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Yet, in today’s world, passing judgment has become second nature, whether online or in person. Highlighting someone’s flaws doesn’t elevate us; instead, it pulls us further away from the kindness and empathy Jesus called us to live by. Compassion, not criticism, is the heart of His teachings.
Tolerating Lies
We live in an era where false information spreads like wildfire. We might want to ignore lies that don’t affect us, but Jesus would call us out if we tolerate dishonesty for our convenience. He cared about truth, and looking the other way when people lie– even the smallest ones– goes against everything He believed in.
Excluding People
Jesus genuinely welcomed everyone. He spent time with tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts. But nowadays, we exclude people because of their race, gender, faith, or way of life. If Jesus were here today, He’d immediately point out our lack of inclusivity. His message centered on love and acceptance, after all.
Chasing Wealth
Money plays a huge role in today’s society, but it wasn’t that big a deal in Jesus’ time. He didn’t care much for wealth—He focused more on how we spend it. He wouldn’t approve of pursuing riches just to have more things. In fact, He’d likely point out that our fixation on material possessions takes us away from what’s important.
Seeking and Patronizing Revenge
Forgiveness was a big part of Jesus’ message. Still, revenge seems to be more common than grace these days. Whether it’s a personal grudge or something bigger, seeking revenge instead of letting go is something He’d call out. Jesus didn’t preach getting even—He preached healing and moving on.
Being Unkind to Social Workers
Jesus treated everyone with respect and kindness. Often overworked and underappreciated, social workers are the ones dealing with society’s most vulnerable. Showing them anything less than kindness? That would definitely not sit well with Jesus.
Staying Silent on Injustice
Jesus spoke out against the injustice of His time, and He’d expect us to do the same today. Keeping quiet while injustice happens around us—whether it’s racial inequality, poverty, or discrimination—isn’t just wrong; it’s something He would absolutely call us out on. If we see something wrong, we need to act.
Spreading Gossip
Let’s be real—gossip has almost become a pastime for some. People gather specifically to talk about others, dissecting what they dislike, what’s changed, or how someone has wronged them. It’s so common now that it feels almost normal. But here’s the truth: Jesus calls us to a higher standard. He doesn’t want us caught up in gossip; instead, He wants us to speak of others with love and grace. So, the next time you’re tempted to dive into some ‘juicy’ talk, take a moment to reflect and reconsider your words.
Fame and Social Media Obsession
Our society has a fixation on fame and social media, but Jesus didn’t care about popularity. He never sought attention for Himself, and He would probably disapprove of our obsession with likes, followers, and fame. It’s okay to be swayed by things, but make sure to still be kind and humble while you’re at it because the moment we make being noticed more important than being kind and humble, we’ve strayed from His teachings.
Turning Away Immigrants and Refugees
Jesus and His family were once refugees, fleeing to Egypt to escape danger. He had a heart for the marginalized and the displaced because He experienced firsthand what it’s like to be displaced and vulnerable. Yet today, many turn their backs on immigrants and refugees. If Jesus were here now, this lack of compassion would be one of the first things He’d call out because helping those in need is a big part of His message, after all.
Bullying – Physical and Online
Whether it’s physical bullying or cyberbullying, Jesus wouldn’t stand for it. He was all about loving your neighbor, not tearing them down. Bullying creates deep wounds, and spreading hate—whether online or in person—goes completely against the values He taught.
Neglecting the Environment
Jesus was close to nature and used it a lot to teach us some lessons. Although pollution and environmental degradation were not concerns then, today’s situation would surely break His heart. Ignoring all the damage we’re causing would not sit too well with Him.
Neglecting the Sick and Elderly
Jesus spent much of His time curing the sick and taking care of the weak. Today, neglecting the sick or elderly—be it through lack of support or care—would be something He’d call out for sure. Compassion, especially for the weak and frail, is at the core of His teachings, and it’s what Jesus expects us to incorporate into the real world.
Idolizing Celebrities and Influencers
Celebrity culture is huge today, and it seems like everyone’s obsessed with influencers, athletes, and entertainers. From following their every move on social media to hanging onto their opinions, many people treat celebrities like they’re larger than life. Jesus, however, wouldn’t be impressed by our fixation. There’s nothing wrong with admiring these celebrities, but idolizing them to the point that you live their truths is different. If Jesus were here, He would tell us that all this energy spent in worshipping fame and success drowns out the greater reason and focus, which is to grow spiritually and to grow more intimately with God, who, by the way, should be our ultimate guide.
Toxic Positivity
Toxic positivity is all about ignoring real struggles and forcing a “just be happy” mindset. But Jesus was actually all about honesty and meeting people where they were in their pain. Pretending everything is fine and pushing people to “just smile” would definitely be something He’d call out as unhealthy and dismissive, invalidating people’s feelings and sufferings.
A Call for Compassion and Integrity
So, what can we take away from this? If Jesus were here today, He’d remind us to check our hearts and actions. His message hasn’t changed—it’s still about love, compassion, and truth. We might not get everything right, but the good news is there’s always room for growth. Let’s make sure our actions reflect the values He taught, even in this modern world.
More From Hope No Matter What
15 Misconceptions About Jesus Christ That the Bible Addresses
14 Indicators You’re Experiencing a Spiritual Attack and How to Overcome It
10 Misconceptions About Prayer: What Many Christians Get Wrong
16 Remarkable Ways God Has Shaped History
Jannah is a dedicated Christian content writer with growing experience, driven by her love for sharing the message of faith. She brings dedication and passion to every piece she writes, drawing from her background as a former lector. Jannah is committed to creating meaningful and inspiring content that reflects her Christian values.