WWJD

Almost 30 years ago I wore a bracelet with the initials WWJD across it.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12 v 1-3)

WWJD. What would Jesus do? It was a campaign to encourage us all to stop before we did or said anything and think of Christ.

What would he do if he walked my life? What would he say if he was behind my mouth?

Consider carefully. Do not be hasty nor rash. Be careful what you decide to do.

WWJD.

Consider. Think again. Think better. Think wiser. Think slower.

This community of believers were thinking of returning to Judaism and some had already done so. The pressure of being a Christian was too tough. The author needs them to focus on Christ, to consider what He went through for He is the only one who will bring us through.

Remember that friend who called you and asked you to consider a course of action you were about to take. They talked to you about God and His presence in your life and His ability to get you through that season. That God had you in His hands. He would not let you go. You didn’t have to make that decision. You did not need to say the things that you were going to say. To think again. WWJD. That friend saved you didn’t they?

That is all the author is trying to do. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Consider Him who has done this life. In their history they had many stories of people who went ahead without due consideration:- Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew; Aaron created a golden calf for worship to please people; Koran, Dathan and Abiram slandered Moses and died; Samson found Delilah and lost his eyesight; Eli kept silent with his sinful sons and lost God’s presence; Uzziah became proud of his achievements and became leprous; Moses struck the rock twice and missed the Promised Land; there are so many. None of these people needed to have ended how they did. If only they had considered before they acted.

WWJD
Facing a looming exile into Babylon Jeremiah prays, “it is not for man to direct his steps,” (10 v23). Are you making a decision today? You may be facing insurmountable challenges. His prayer encourages us to think on God and trust Him to make the way clear for us to overcome these challenges.
Thomas Merton, priest and theologian, wrote what became known as “the Merton Prayer”.

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

WWJD.