'WWJD' Reimagined, not just a wristband

I heard the phrase "WWJD" - 'What Would Jesus Do' all the time during my Sunday school years. It was a trend that became so famous in the 1990s and early 2000s that we had catchy songs written with this theme, ministries named after it, church and youth messages centred around it, and even wristbands that became a craze among the youth. At that young age, all I understood was that it meant to remind myself of what Jesus would do when faced with a difficult situation.

Today, while reading some Bible verses, I was reminded again and meditated on what the phrase truly means. It's about having the same attitude as Jesus. Proverbs 23:7 tells us, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” -  that our actions are not merely reactions to external events but are deeply rooted in our inner thoughts and beliefs. 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, "We have the mind of Christ." Philippians 2:5 encourages us to "have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." Similarly, 1 Peter 4:1 advises us to "arm ourselves with the same mind/attitude that Christ had." These verses emphasize the importance of aligning our thoughts and attitudes with those of Jesus.

Even though I had heard the phrase "WWJD" - 'What Would Jesus Do' many times over the years, I struggled to live it out in all aspects of my life. I often failed to act and speak as Jesus would. This used to fill me with guilt, leading me to try and compensate with self-righteous behaviour. But praise God for revealing the truth of what Jesus did for me. I realized that it's not my actions that earn salvation, but believing and receiving Jesus Christ as the Son of God who gave His life for me, resurrected, ascended seated in the heavenlies, and now through His Spirit is living in me. This makes me His child and coheir with Christ. This truth liberated me and deepened my love for Jesus, helping me see that a Holy God chose to love me and gave me His Spirit to live a righteous life that fulfils His will on earth as it is in heaven. I no longer need to strive through my flesh to act and speak like Jesus. With His Spirit within me and by renewing my mind through His Word, I am being transformed day by day from glory to glory to become more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”).

Dealing with tough situations and difficult people at work has always been a challenge for me, especially when colleagues or my boss are unnecessarily mean and selfish. My usual way of coping was to vent and complain to someone at work who might be facing a similar situation. This often led to us speaking ill of that individual. For a moment, it felt good to talk it out with someone who understood me, but I didn't realize that I was opening the door for the enemy to sow negative seeds against that difficult colleague or boss. I also set a poor example for my work colleague. How was I different from others? My identity is in Christ, and I am a citizen of heaven and an ambassador of Christ. How was my behaviour and speech representing Jesus to these unbelievers?

Venting is not walking in the Spirit; it's indulging your flesh and allowing Satan to plant seeds that are not of God, resulting in birthing what is not of God. The antidote is to consistently choose to act, speak, and think according to His Word and be led by His Spirit. I am learning to walk in His Spirit, and every time I do, I see God's favor over my workplace, which in turn blesses me.

As children of God, when we become born-again believers in Christ Jesus, His Spirit comes alive within us, making us a new creation. The fruit of the Spirit is already within us. Ephesians 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:3 remind us that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing we need for living a godly life.

It's easy to give in to circumstances and the world's way that says it's okay to lose control because it makes you feel better. However, by doing so, you open your soul to following your flesh and feelings rather than having the mind and attitude of Jesus. Let us close that door to the ways of the world that seduce us into just ‘feeling good’. Instead, walk in the Spirit and experience the true joy of knowing Christ and living in His ways, which is not temporary but eternal.

"So, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves." – Galatians 5:16. "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." – Colossians 3:2.

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*Background on WWJD - The phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" (WWJD) originated in the late 19th century and was popularized by Rev. Charles Sheldon through his 1896 book "In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?". The book emphasized acting in ways that reflect Jesus' teachings.

In the 1990s, Janie Tinklenberg, a youth leader in Michigan, revived the phrase to encourage her youth group to live like Jesus. She created the acronym WWJD and produced bracelets with the letters, which became popular among Christian youth.

The concept is rooted in "Imitatio Christi" (imitation of Christ), encouraging believers to model their behaviour on Jesus. Overall, WWJD serves as a guide for ethical decision-making and living a life that reflects Christian values.