What motivates you to do what is right? Are you motivated by reward or do you do what is right because you know it is right?
Being Christians, shouldn't we do what is right because it is right, not merely to have reward? Many Christians turn to reward and punishment to intice others to attend church and to believe in God. John 3:16 for example, one of the banners of Christianity, promises us everlasting life if we believe in God. Even the Devil believes in God. Is the Devil rewarded with everlasting life? Believing in God strictly for the sake of gaining eternal life may not be all that Jesus expects from us. Certainly the "look what you get in return" attitude which is promoted by so many well intentioned Christian leaders, falls a bit short. Belief if God is a part of our faith, but we believe in God not because we are promised reward to believe, but because we know and love God.
So, what does motivate you to do right? Today there is a world wide Christian movement, including jewelry, bumper stickers, T-shirts and posters asking us toconsider, WWJD, "What Would Jesus Do?". Whenever you are lost and need guidance, the idea is to run your questions through the filter "WWJD". Depending upon your belief, knowledge, or feeling about Jesus life, you would act the way he acted and do what he did. With WWJD, you are called upon to consider how Jesus would have acted if faced with the same situation or set of circumstances.
I like to get into religious discussions. When I was young, many of my friends engaged in their own religious discussions, but those it seemed were primarily directed at breaking down a person's own beliefs, so that he would accept yours. If the other person didn't believe and practice your religion, he must be converted. The arguments were often heated, and often too, friendships lie in the balance.
Today, when I get into a religious discussion, I want to know what the other person knows. I want to understand the other person's religions beliefs. I want to know what underlying philosophy or belief, the other person uses to direct his life. I am not out to be converted or to convert someone else. I express my beliefs, and they express theirs, and if something sparks in what either of us say, then we will open up to that spark. It's more mental than emotional, and I am very comfortable with that. Maybe it takes all kinds in God's kingdom. I think I have opened up a few eyes and hearts in my life, and I made many good friends along the way.
I gave some thought the other morning, as to what type of religious arguments Jesus himslef might get into. Would they be heated, or intellectual. How would Jesus discuss religion? Would he try to explain or break down the other person. Certainly, to his disciples, Jesus was a teacher. To the stranger, he was also a teacher, and miracle worker. But to others who did not yet believe in God, What Would Jesus Do?
To find an answer (How would Jesus discuss religion with a non-believer), I had to look at ever incident that Jesus talked to someone other than the disciples. There were numerous cases. But it occurs to me, the Bible could in no way document ever conversation that Jesus had with others. Certainly landmark meetings were documented, but who witnessed and later recorded those meetings? Who, for example witness and then recorded the details of Jesus meeting with Nicodemus? Did Nicodemus, a Pharisee go on to write about his encounter? There is no record that he was ever converted, or that he ever because a follower Jesus. In fact, Nicodemus did not even fully understand what Jesus was telling him.
The Bible suggests that Jesus met Nicodemus alone at night. So who was there to later tell the story? Certainly it had to be Jesus himself. All the encounters with Jesus were not recorded and could not have all been recorded. But this one was recorded because it was part of Jesus teaching. Someone listened to Jesus use this story in his teaching, and recorded the story later. But the point of the story is to teach, not to merely chronicle a meeting between two people.
What we have in the Bible is not a day to day chronicle of Jesus life over his last three years. The major travels are recorded but not all travels. A major sermon is recorded, but certainly not all sermons. Several major encounters were written about, but certainly not all encounters. Even after his ressurection, we don't have a record of everything he did and everyone he might have talked to. He did not spend his entire time in the Upper room or talking to Thomas on the road. Certainly other followers besides the disciples were visited by Jesus. The bible is not a day to day chronicle of everything that Jesus did. That made it even more difficult for me to get an accurate understand of what Jesus might do when discussing religious matters with non-believers.
We all know how difficult it is to put yourself into the mind of someone else. When another person is lost in a mall or amusement park, you think "Where would I be if I were them?". That is never easy even if you know someone very well. Consider buying a gift for your spouse. "Now what would I want if I were them?" How difficult to get into someone else's mind even if we live with them, and know everything about them. How much harder when we have so little record of what that person actually did.
What Would Jesus Do? Even if we knew what Jesus would do (and I believe we as mere mortals cannot know for certainly what Jesus would do), can we then do it? I don't recall anywhere in the Gospels where Jesus actually suggests that we do what he did. In fact, the few times he does tell us to "Go and do likewise", it is a character in a story that we are to emulate, not Jesus himself. Jesus never pointed to himself, and commands us to "Go and do likewise." Yet, today, there is such a strong movement to consider WWJD.
We could study and evaluate every facet of lifestyles of the people of the day, their foods, their families, their communities. But was Jesus typical of them? Even for his day, was his lifestyle typical or unique? Did he have his own tastes, preferences, habits? How do we even know he liked this vegetable or that? There is no record of what Jesus himself did on a day-to-day basis. He did not have a home, a family, a workplace. So how can we know what he would do in a family or work situation?
We could study and evaluate every discussion he ever had. In my own quest for understanding, I could eventually write a book about how Jesus engaged in religious arguments, what to do in certain situations, and what not to do. (Believe me, men have made careers studying just that much of Jesus life.) People could read my book, and use it as a guide for proper religious discourse and debate. And still, we would not have a full understanding of what Jesus did, and why he did it the way he did it. There is no way of knowing for certain how Jesus would debate a topic, or whether he would be emotional or intellectual. So how can we know what Jesus would do in that situation?
What Would Jesus Do? Well, let's look at what Jesus DID do in his lifetime. When a family was grieving at the loss of a loved one, Jesus turned his back on them hastened away, "Let the dead bury the dead" he said. Is that what Jesus wants us to do. We have an example, why not use it? When people at the Temple were selling what today would be the equivalent of Christian jewelry, Christian bumper stickers, Christian Books, Christian music, Jesus turned over their tables and ran them out of the temple. Have any of you even spoken up when your church sells "Christian" things to help you in your spiritual life? How many of you have ordered any of these from a televangelist or radio minister? There is a big market these days for "Christians" items. Large retail chains have been quite successful marketing Christianity. Ask the manufactures of the WWJD necklaces and bracelets. They're not hurting for money. Instead of turning over tables "like Jesus did", we, as Christian a more apt to open up our wallet to such things.
Whenever you wonder what you should do, take a second look before you turn everything over to "WWJD". There are so many different examples of what he did, that we might chose the wrong one, or worse, we might assume that he would do one thing, when in fact he would do something else. There is so much he did that was never documented. What about all those undocumented situations where he did do something? How are we to know what Jesus would do, when we have no record of him ever faced with that situation? And what situation today do we ever face in exactly the same way as anyone did at the time of Jesus? Would Jesus have acted the same or differently as those of his time? How do we know what he would do?
What was recorded in the Bible, are his teachings. Listening and following those teachings would be a much better guide to a right decision, than trying to duplicate the behavior of someone we could never duplicate.
So the question becomes not what Jesus would do, but what he calls us to do. When asked what, of all that is written, is the greatest commandment, Jesus responded to Love God with all your heart, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. There are three kinds of love in the Greek language (the language of the oldest Biblical manuscripts). The "love" in passage translates not to the affection you give to a child or parent, but the respect your give to those you trust. Respect God with all your heart. Respect his laws, both written and natural. Great tragedies have befallen mankind when we ignored the laws of God, when we felt we knew better. Our ignorance has had us building on top of fault lines, and on the sides of volcanoes. Then we blame God when disaster strikes, instead of our own ignorance for not respecting the laws of God.
We fly planes and ships into violent storms, and then blame God for the loss of life, instead of blaming ourselves for thinking we could build machines that were more powerful that the forces of God. We build enormous churches and stained glass windows, and huge organs, and gold candle sticks to the honor and glory of God, while whole towns and many nations don't even have safe water to drink. Then we are astonished why others from these nations don't beat a path to our door to become Christians.
"... And Respect your neighbor as yourself." Respect his property, his family, his way of life. Be merciful. And as we have neighbors that live next to us, so do all nations have neighbors. Respect them as well. The key to our relationship with God and all others is to first and foremost, treat everyone with respect. Trust those who respect you as well, but be strong of character against those who do not. And respect yourself, your own family, and your own nation. Live your life so that others inquire as to the source of your good character, and when asked, tell of your source of strength. Let your character be your testimony of your faith in God, not just some words on your bumper sticker, or some piece of jewelry around your neck. (Even the prostitute wears a cross in bed.) Don't proclaim Jesus with earthly tokens, jewelry, posters, records and tapes, but instead, proclaim Jesus with Godly righteousness in your daily walk. Let your character be a magnet for others, not your jewelry.
When a church member's house burned down, the appeal went out before the congregation to meet at her house and assist in getting her remaining items out of the house. Only two people showed up. The problem was she was poor, ironed for a living, and not part of the Country Club environment of the church. When another member eventually did show up, it was to make money on an apartment he had for lease. When the appeal from God comes, will we write songs and books, build bigger cathedrals, make jewelry, and slap on bumper stickers? Or will we roll up our sleeves and help our neighbor? If the street in front of this poor church member's house were filled with people helping their fellow Christian, wouldn't others sit up and take notice? Wouldn't others ask about the source of this outpouring of love? Wouldn't this do more to bring the love of God to the non-believer than our bumper stickers, jewelry, and glass cathedrals? Why can't Christian's demonstrate their faith by loving others instead of wasting their money on clever slogans dangling around their necks?
Jesus often taught in parables. Parables are understood on the physical level by those who have a common pool of experience with the teller. There are parables draw from the life and experience of the Hebrew people, struggling to live under Roman authority, and Hebrew law. These parables drew upon the simple things common to life at that time. But the true meaning of these parables goes far deeper, and it speaks in messages for all times and all peoples. The parables are part spiritual lessons, part prophesy, and part guidelines for right living. The secondary meaning of these parables become more and more clear as one lives out a life in oneness with God. (Substitute "Christian Life" if you choose, but Jesus' parables and teachings were directed at Jews, not Christians, and it is just as valid for all people as for Christians).
Having a full understanding of the parables is not critical to salvation, but the lessons of these parables, once understood, are a great source of truth in our lives. When a situation arises, we can turn to Jesus teaching, including the lessons from these parables, and find answers, find direction in a difficult times, find the truth. Which of the parables records any of what Jesus actually did? They weren't intended to be historically accurate, they were intended to teach. Using the filter "What Would Jesus Do?", where to we give any consideration to the lesson of parables, the Sermon on the Mound, the teaching to his disciples and other teaching? If we only consider what Jesus would do, what do we do with all the teaching that was saved on our behalf?
I wouldn't begin to tell you to stop wearing the WWJD jewelry, and stop putting the WWJD bumper stickers on your car. But WWJD seems just a bit short of the mark for me. While others are making money on the WWJD logo, what message are we sending by asking others merely consider the actions of Jesus? Isn't it far more important to consider the teachings of Jesus than it is to try to determine his behavior in a given situation.
In most situations, I would urge you to look beyond the words of the preacher, to his actions the rest of the week. This is because many people who make a living off of the name of Jesus, don't live their own lives in the arms of Jesus. Jesus on the other hand did not make a life selling himself. He did not live one life and preach another. He was not a hypocrite, Thankfully, many if not most of those who preach about Jesus, not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. That is, their behavior is above repoach. What a preacher or any Christian does with his or her life, should be a reflection of who that person really is. Who and What Jesus was is far greater than the who and what anyone else is. And I don't have to spend a lot of time worrying about Jesus' behavior like I might a televangelist with his hand out asking for more money. Jesus behavior, actions, habits and customs are secondary to who he is/was and what he taught. The Gospels were written to get Jesus' message out to the world. They were not written merely to chronicle the historical day-to-day Jesus. What he wore, what he ate, how he slept, or traveled, what he looked like, how he spoke. None of that matters. Even the debate about whether God created the earth is seven calendar days, or seven eras, none of that matters for my salvations. What Jesus taught, that matters. And Jesus gave me and the world a road map to our salvation, not a record of our past.
With televangelists, I might suggest we look at their behavior, before we listen to their words. I have no reservations in urging anyone to listen Jesus' words and pay less attention to what he did on a day-to-day basis, because in the unique case of Jesus, what he did from day to day is in the past. What what he taught, is still very much in the present. What would Jesus do? I have far less concern for understanding what Jesus would do, far more concern for understanding what Jesus is doing right here, right now, in my life, and yours.
What Would Jesus Do? I don't know, and I don't know that I will ever know for sure. But I do know what Jesus taught, and what that teaching is doing right now. And after all, isn't his teaching a much better source of guidance than merely trying to figure out what he might do if he were standing here instead of you? If we love and respect God, should we not listen to his words and follow his teachings as spoken though the mouth of Jesus? I am not saying to ignore his example, I am saying - don't ignore his teachings. Make that the test of right and wrong, not your guess as to his behavior. It is not that I don't care what Jesus would do, it's just that I don't know, and I don't have time to think about all the possibilities. I'm called to act now, to do what I must do now, to be strong, to be self directed with the judgment abilities that God has placed in my heart with his love and teaching. Rather that trying to copy the actions of Jesus, I would rather ask him, "What would you have ME do, Lord, in this situation?"
Is there an example where Jesus gave his second coat to another person more in need? There is not, but there is word that we should do this. So the question now comes, NOT "What Would Jesus Do" but rather, "What Would Jesus Have Me Do". What Jesus did, is sometimes unclear, undocumented, or misunderstood. But, the things that are the most vital to our salvation and our relations with others, those things are clear, documented, and with some study are understandable. What is documented is his teachings, his message, his parables, his guidelines for our life. Listen and learn these, and let them be your guide in difficult times. Learn from these teachings "What Would Jesus Have Me Do?" Believe and trust in his guidance.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, he left his Spirit behind for us. The spirit lives in your heart and mine, to guide us. Learn how to live by learning the teachings of Jesus. Grow strong in this understanding. Let his teaching fill you with this understanding. Then you will receive the keys to his kingdom. What you judge in your heart, will be judged. What you know to be right, will be right, and what you know to be wrong, will be wrong. Don't trouble yourself trying to evaluating the hypothetical actions of Jesus if he were in your situation, you could be wrong. Instead, turn to your heart. Give those tough decisions to God's Spirit dwelling within your heart. Let your heart be guided by the a genuine love for others and then Trust your heart.
When you put on your WWJD glasses to evaluate everything you see before you, consider one thing. What Jesus did, you could never, in a lifetime, duplicate. Even as a human, you could not live like he lived at the time. You could never, and probably would never want to walk in his shoes, eat what he ate, and live as he lived. You would have to be Jewish, poor, and a wandering prophet, give up your life for the salvation of others. That's what Jesus did. Are you really able to do what Jesus did? Not in this lifetime.
Instead of WWJD as the filter for all your decisions, consider WWJHMD, "What Would Jesus Have Me Do?" Isn't that more important, after all?