“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed
my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my
joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:10-11, NIV)
“What Would Jesus Do?” Several years ago the four initials that represent this question and the rubber bracelets displaying these initials took the evangelical Christian community by storm. And why not? Is there any better question that Christians should ask in any given situation where a decision needs to be made regarding a choice of action or behavior?
The answer is yes. There is one question that is more important. One question Christians should ask before choosing any course of behavior, making a spiritual decision or adopting a value or belief. My question is, “WDJS — What Did Jesus Say?”
Why is this question even more important? The fact is, in many situations we simply cannot know for sure exactly what Jesus would do, so we are left to try to figure it out for ourselves. And figuring it out may require more wisdom, revelation, insight or spiritual maturity than we possess at the time.
On the other hand, Jesus made incredible promises to Christians who would learn His words and use those words to guide their decisions, behavior and beliefs. Remember his promise in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
He offers three promises that no one else in history could make and deliver: the promise that you will become one of His intimate followers; the promise that you will discover and know perfect and eternal truth; and the promise that you will be liberated from the most powerful force that enslaves your heart and mind, depriving you of the freedom, peace, power and joy that comes from intimacy with Christ — namely our own selfish, sinful nature.
In Matthew 7:24-25, the analogy of the man who built his house upon the rock, He promises a new level of wisdom and security that cannot be shaken by even the most powerful internal or external forces. He defines a level of wisdom and security that is unknown and elusive to the world in general and even to most Christians. And these are just a few of the more than two dozen promises that the Lord makes to those who begin to “abide” in His words.
As noble as it may be to try to figure out what Jesus would do, He gave no such promises to the man or woman who would make that effort. Would you rather base your hopes upon your own limited wisdom, insights and feelings, or upon the “rock-solid” foundation of Christ’s words?
Our loving Savior spent more time providing critical lessons, instruction and encouragement to His followers than He did to those who did not follow His words. Christ’s comments are intended to equip us with everything we need to follow His true and sure guidance in every situation. His incredible statements not only give us guidance for every situation we might encounter, but they also provide promises, revelation and inspiration that will enable us to experience God’s incomparable grace and power. They give us the precise instructions we need to experience a life of extraordinary purpose, peace and joy.
This Week
Make it a point to read the words of Jesus Christ. Read His instructions for your life and stand upon the promises He has made.
Prayer
“Lord, I want to hear Your words so that I can know You better. Send the Holy Spirit to give me understanding as I study Your words and follow Your ways.”
