The phrase “What would Jesus do?” (WWJD) became a popular slogan in the early 1990s, but its origins go back to Charles Sheldon’s 1896 book In His Steps, where the question was first posed to help guide moral choices. Over a century later, it remains a powerful question that encourages reflection in the face of life’s complex decisions.
So, what would Jesus do? This article delves into 12 principles derived from His example, offering insights to help us embody our faith in meaningful, actionable ways.
Seek Guidance in the Bible First
Jesus consistently turned to Scripture, showing us the significance of seeking guidance from God’s Word in making decisions. When faced with difficult choices, the Bible should be your first resource. Consider it a roadmap, guiding you through various twists and turns. From the comforting verses of Psalms to the practical insights of Proverbs, Scripture provides direction to illuminate your journey.
At times, however, the answers you need may not be explicitly found in the text. This can present a challenge. You may find yourself in situations that the Bible doesn’t directly address. In such moments, remember that the principles and values within Scripture can still guide your decisions.
If You Can’t Find the Answers in the Bible, Pray for Wisdom
If you can’t find clear answers in the Bible, consider praying for wisdom. This lets you invite God into your decision-making and create a more personal connection. It’s important to remember that prayer doesn’t only involve making requests, but also opening your heart to listen for the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit. In those quiet moments, you may discover the clarity you seek or at least find a comforting sense of peace to help you cope with uncertainty.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus exemplified the significance of prayer. He would withdraw to solitary places to seek guidance from the Father. Engaging in prayer entails more than just looking for answers; it also involves creating an intimate bond with God. Be open and honest about your doubts and fears, as this vulnerability invites divine wisdom into your heart. Have faith that God listens to your prayers and will respond in His perfect timing.
Consider Your Motives
Jesus emphasized the importance of having pure motives. He urged His followers to look deeply into their hearts. Consider this question: Why am I making this choice? Is it for my own benefit, or does it genuinely aim to support others? Be honest with yourself about your motives to avoid pitfalls that lead to regret and harm.
Reflecting on your motives can also reveal deeper insights about your character. Are your intentions based on love, or are they because you are scared or jealous? Remember, actions may appear righteous on the surface, but if the heart isn’t in the right place, the outcome may not honor God.
Consider the Consequences of Your Choices
Jesus often emphasized the long-term results of our decisions. He always tells His followers to think about how their actions impact the world around them. When you’re looking at your options, take a second to picture both the short—and long-term effects of each choice.
Think about how it might change your life, relationships, and community. If you start to look ahead like this, you’ll make smarter choices that align with your faith.
Commit Your Decisions to God
Surrender your worries and decisions to God. This way, you can invite His guidance into every aspect of your life. Even Jesus withdrew to pray before making important choices, exemplifying the need for divine intervention.
Committing your decisions to God encourages you to align your choices with His purpose.
Trust that as you commit your choices to Him, He will guide your steps, leading you toward outcomes that honor Him and reflect His love in the world.
Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Jesus demonstrated a profound trust in His Father, even amid significant challenges. Understanding that God is in control allows you to let go of the overwhelming pressure to have all the answers on your own. However, do not mistake trusting God for being passive. It involves actively involving Him in your decision-making while finding peace in His wisdom.
Recognize that your plans might not always align with His, and that’s perfectly fine. Embrace the idea that God can utilize your choices for His glory, regardless of the outcomes.
Consult Others for Guidance
Just as Jesus surrounded Himself with disciples, we too can benefit from the wisdom of those who share our faith. These conversations can challenge your thinking, offering new angles that you may not have considered. Whether it’s a pastor, a wise friend, or a family member, engaging in dialogue can help illuminate the path ahead and confirm your instincts.
But you need to be careful about who to seek counsel from. Choose people who not only share the same values but also make good choices in their own lives. What they’ve been through and what they’ve learned can help when you’re trying to decide what to do. Keep in mind advice isn’t one-size-fits-all. Take what resonates with you and consider how it fits with the bigger picture of your decisions.
Pay Attention to Red Flags
Red flags often warn, urging you to pause and reassess your decisions. Jesus emphasized discernment. He always tells His followers to be aware of the signs around them. Ignoring these signals can lead to choices that compromise your values or well-being. Trusting your instincts is vital; if something feels off, it’s worth investigating further.
Additionally, reflect on the patterns and habits surrounding your decisions. Are you consistently facing similar red flags? This could mean you must change your approach or seek additional guidance. By remaining vigilant and attentive to red flags, you empower yourself to make informed choices that align with God’s will.
Reflect On Your Values
Before making any decision, take a moment to reflect on your core values. Ask yourself how each option aligns with your values. Will it foster love, kindness, and understanding? Jesus exemplified an unwavering commitment to His values, demonstrating love, humility, and integrity in every situation.
By making decisions rooted in your values, you ensure that your actions reflect who you are at your core, bringing harmony to your life and faith.
Choose to Be Kind
When faced with the choice between proving you’re right or extending kindness, consider how Jesus would respond. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated an extraordinary balance of truth and grace. He would often prefer compassion over confrontation. He didn’t seek to win arguments. Instead, He sought to win hearts. It’s easy to focus on being right, but the greater impact often comes when we lead with kindness and allow others to feel heard and valued.
Jesus chose to be kind in moments when others expected judgment or harshness, and His approach softened hearts and changed lives. When we make decisions with kindness, we create space for healing, understanding, and deeper connections.
Be Patient
Some decisions need to be made quickly. However, as we have witnessed during Jesus’ ministry, He often waited for the right moment to act. This shows the power of being patient. When faced with a decision, take a step back and allow time for reflection.
No, you’re not delaying your actions. You are giving yourself the space to weigh your options thoughtfully. Sometimes, the best choices emerge when we allow ourselves to breathe and seek clarity.
Additionally, patience teaches us to rely on God’s timing. Trust that He has a plan and that sometimes, waiting is part of that plan. Rather than rushing into decisions, lean into the anticipation of what God might be orchestrating.
Aim to Glorify God Through Your Actions
At the core of every decision should be the intention to honor God. This idea captures the heart of living out your faith, allowing your actions to reflect His love and light in the world. Jesus lived in a way that constantly directed others toward the Father. As you face choices, ask how your actions can bring glory to God and uplift those around you.
Embrace God’s Guidance in Every Step
Each decision, whether big or small, can reflect your relationship with God. Making choices that mirror His love and wisdom brings clarity to your life and also encourages others to look to Him in theirs. So, when faced with a tough choice, remember you’re not walking alone. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and ask, “What would Jesus do?” Allow His guidance to light your way, leading you toward a life filled with joy, purpose, and a stronger connection to God.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.