By: Paula Short
In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We're constantly bombarded with stimuli, from when we wake up to when we go to bed. Finding time to slow down and reflect on our actions can be tricky.
Whether it's the chaos of what's happening in the world today, direst, societal dissension, conflict, and turmoil, dealing with a difficult situation, chronic or terminal illness, making a tough decision, loss, or simply navigating through the daily grind, taking a step back and asking ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" can lead to a more compassionate, understanding, and loving approach.
My heart is saddened when I think of the happenings I've mentioned above. Even just the everyday. And that's what's been weighing on my mind lately. I've been taking intentional pauses and thinking wholeheartedly about what Jesus would do. And what should I do?
He showed us here in Matthew 9:10-13 "As Jesus was having a meal in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard this, he said, "Those who are healthy don't need a physician, but those who are sick do. Go and learn what this saying means: 'I want mercy and not sacrifice. For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (NET)
Well, there it is. Here we can follow Jesus' footsteps; we're invited to aspire to live a life focused on kindness, forgiveness, and empathy for others. We can do this by being in His word daily and praying. We can also follow in His footsteps by helping those lost to come to Him. So the next time you're faced with a challenge, take a moment to pause, reflect, and ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?" We should ask ourselves, "How would Jesus respond to this situation?"
When we do that, we can make better choices. We can choose to be more loving, compassionate, and forgiving. We can choose to be generous and helpful. We can choose to be kind and understanding. We can learn from Jesus' example. We can look at his teachings and actions and apply them to our lives.
So what else can we do?
— When tempted to lash out at someone who has wronged us, we can ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" He would probably forgive them, even if they didn't deserve it.
— When feeling selfish and greedy, we can ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" He would give to others, even when it meant sacrificing his own comfort or convenience.
— When we feel judgmental and critical of others, we can ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" He would show compassion and understanding, even to those different from him.
Reflection
The WWJD principle is a simple one, but it's powerful. If we learn to live according to Jesus' example, we can make a real difference in our lives and those around us. Join me in intentionally stopping to pause and think, what would Jesus do?
It's true - if we take a minute to look at life situations through the lens of Jesus, our reactions and responses would be different. They would be more like His. Sometimes I wonder if that question became so commercialized that it was thrown around flippantly. But it is a question which could truly change circumstances and people.
ReplyDeleteYes! If we would just slow down and look at people as God does. Life would be so different. Love this Paula! ♥
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