The older I get, I sometimes feel like memories of my childhood have begun to fade like ink on decades old letters delicately stored away in a box. My growing up years have been reduced to maybe a dozen poignant moments that are etched in my mind; the rest have aimlessly fallen along the wayside without another thought.
My over-thinking self finds it interesting to ponder what makes particular recollections indelibly marked in one’s brain, while others are not. I would suggest that the memories we cannot shake have somehow shaped us for better or worse, possibly even changing the trajectory of our life. With that in mind, I thought it fitting as we begin this journey, to begin with a memory of my own.
I’m not sure when or how it happened, but as a very young girl, the book In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon, found its way into my hands. This book literally captured my young heart and imagination. Written in 1896, this story chronicles the events following a challenge given by the Reverend Henry Maxwell, Pastor of The First Church of Raymond. He challenged his parishioners with the following: “I want volunteers from the First Church who will pledge themselves, earnestly and honestly for an entire year, not to do anything without first asking the question, ‘What would Jesus do?’ And after asking that question, each one will follow Jesus as exactly as he knows how, no matter what the result may be.” Yes…this is where the slogan WWJD originated! Seriously!
As the novel unfolds, readers are drawn into the decision-making, the hard choices, the self-denial required to uphold this pledge and how it impacted the lives and destinies of those involved. This captivated me. I wondered if it was really possible to live this way. And if so, what would happen if I embraced this way of living? I could picture it in my mind’s eye; this phrase dropped into my heart forever.
While this idea has been at the forefront of my mind since childhood, it is incredibly important for you to know that I by no means have this response perfected. In fact, it’s just the opposite. I’ve struggled, failed, and made horrible choices in my life; definitely not doing what Jesus would do. That being said, please don’t underestimate this simple, yet effective filter.
Relegating the concept to a bracelet or nice slogan somehow seems wrong; it’s much too powerful for that. It calls us to love as Jesus loves; forgive as Jesus forgives. Its practice can help us determine the next right steps in moving forward. It is imperative to have a true north when navigating through or trying to avoid failure. The truth is, answering that simple question may require all the strength you have.
While rebounding from a significant season of failure, this filter saved me from myself more times than can be counted. It saved me from my flesh; saved me (and others) from my tongue; saved me from my attitude. Failure dumps enough regrets on your doorstep; you certainly don’t need to add more to the pile as you work to recover and restore.
Regardless of our differing seasons of life, the 1 John 2:6 mandate is still the same.
Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. NLT
Whoever says he lives in Christ [that is whoever says he has accepted him as God and Savior] ought [as a moral obligation] to walk and conduct himself just as He walked and conducted Himself. AMP
Although it will require bravery, intentionality and vulnerability, why don’t you give it a try? None of us will have our responses perfected this side of heaven, but it will certainly help us drop some baggage and lighten the load along the way!
Dig Deeper
⚘Ask God to show you a situation where you may not have responded as Jesus would. Seek forgiveness from God and others involved if needed.
⚘Dare to take the challenge for a week! You might need to answer questions like:
- What would Jesus say to this person?
- How would Jesus respond in this situation?
- What tone of voice would Jesus use?
- Would Jesus keep his mouth shut?
- Would Jesus defend himself?
⚘If you’re not too busy, you might want to pick up a copy of In His Steps and enjoy a good read with a little conviction on the side!
the grace element 