WWJD? Why do christians presume to know what Jesus would do in their contemporary 'dilemmas'?

Question

I'm forever baffled by Christians who flaunt their WWJD bracelets around. its all a bit meaningless. Do any Christians share this opinion?

Answer 1

The term WWJD came from a book called "In His Steps" written by a liberal Christian by the name of Charles M. Sheldon. In the book, the pastor of a church challenges a congregation to commit to the idea that they, in whatever situation they found themselves in, would do (to the best of their ability) whatever they thought Jesus would do in that same situation. No one else was allowed to judge what they did in the situation, because they would only do as they felt Jesus would do, based on their understanding of His character from the Bible.

It is really the same way with Christians today. If people would really ask, "What Would Jesus Do" in any given situation, and honestly answer, we would be a long way toward the betterment of society.

Trouble is, most people don't have a working knowledge of Jesus to begin with. They only think of Jesus in fluffy terms like "love and goodness." And while He was those things, He was also a staunch advocate for biblical literacy, and hated self-righteousness, unfair dealings with each other, pride, and idolatry. He also held Scripture in high regard, dismissing men's traditions that tried to explain away Scriptural truths.

Answer 2

I do - to a degree. Actions are generally a result of a heart attitude. We cannot presume to know exactly what actions Jesus would have taken or what exact words He would have said- but the Bible gives us a pretty good picture of His heart attitude and we can be confident that we are pointed in the right direction if our attitude and thoughts are lined up with those of Christ.
My biggest issue is that, though none of us are perfect, we should be very careful about 'advertising' our faith without being discerning and careful about how we advertise with our actions. When our attitudes are not right from the start, we cannot expect that we will respond correctly in a stressful situation- then we should leave those WWJD bracelets at home!

Answer 3

The WWJD thing was just a fad that is mostly gone now. Setting around and asking yourself what Jesus would do is not the same as being lead of the Spirt on the basis of knowing what God's Word says. "The Bible teaches that the Spirit will guide...", not, play a guessing game.

Answer 4

While I'm not the type to run around with a WWJD bracelet, I do understand that the principles of Christ are meant to endure all times. Jesus preached that we love each other as we love ourselves, and that is the true path of peace. Now, if only ppl would follow the teachings of Christ instead of the fashion trends...

If we love each other and want for others the peace that we want for ourselves, the things that we do to "defend" ourselves would no longer exist, because we would understand that we were all connected, and not seperate.

Answer 5

I think, if it's a reminder about what Jesus would think of what we are about to do or say, it's just great. You ask, how would we "presume" to know what Jesus would do? Well, those who read and study the bible know how Jesus did, in fact, react in many situations. Also, the Beatitudes, otherwise called the sermon on the mount, give us very good instruction. All through the new testament, we as believers are admonished what to do and say, and what to not to and say, according to the will of God.

If people really wear the bracelets because they want to do as the Lord asks them to, I admire them for it.

Answer 6

Well, if you are trying to decide between buying a Honda or a Toyota, WWJD will not be of much help.

But for a moral dilemma, it at least acts as a reminder to people to consider Jesus' teachings.

Answer 7

Yes I share this dilemma, yes I profess faith in Jesus Christ. Your Question is very valid. The Question shouldn't be What would Jesus do but what did Jesus do? Very simple to find out. Read the Gospels. Not trying to convert anyone but to judge what a person claims to be look at what they are claiming. Ask some very simple questions. Are they doing what they claim? Are they living what they claim? Do they know themselves what they are claiming?

See for me being a Christian is not about saying, "hey look at me I'm a Christian." Not at all. When I started to get serious about my faith, I started reading and learning what did Jesus do. What did he teach and how did he live. That is the model that I choose to model myself after. Understand I fall way short but still I don't give up on the goal. I look at what was most important in his teachings. Putting others before yourself, treating others in the manner in which you want to be treated yourself. Having compassion for others. Concerned passion, concerned love. Becoming selfless instead of selfish, and that is hard. But when you look at it from the stand point of what did Jesus do, well we do have answers for that and sadly we Christians fall way short.

You have pointed out our biggest flaw, the one thing the we are most guilty of. Talking the talk but not walking the walk. Yes we can pull out the old worn out line that we are sinners to, but that's a load of crap. It is an easy excuse to try and cover our failures without truly addressing the root of the problem.

I submit to you that if I never say a word about my faith but lived it, you would notice something different about me. Yet not many of us who claim the faith truly know how to do that.

I do believe and I know that I don't live up to my beliefs as I should. That makes what I believe somewhat unbelievable. But the more I learn them more I practice the more I am able to see what Jesus did and try likewise.

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Answer 8

you have a selection of of impressive factors. although, there are some people who're unlike that. I, to illustrate, do no longer help the dying penalty. i'm no longer judgemental and that i believe that God is the only one that has all potential. Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God are the three in a million. extremely, God is all, Jesus is the in flesh version of God sent to shop us and the Holy Spirit is the giude to the almighty Paradise Heaven; after being baptised and stored inspite of the incontrovertible fact that.i believe in letting human beings do what they like whilst they are in love too. If 2 females love eachother and prefer to marry, be my centred visitor. do no longer push faith on human beings in view that purely reasons human beings to stay removed from those human beings questioning they are loopy. i'm Bi. yet I do believe in God and that i believe He accepts his infants as long as they stick to the commandments. Does it say everywhere interior the Bible that it extremely is undesirable to be Bi or gay? and if so because it is contradicting the entire no judgement component Jesus believed in.

Answer 9

Christians know what Jesus would do because we fellowship with Him often in prayer and during worship. He tells us by way of the Holy Spirit, The Bible, through others, in our dreams...many ways, but He makes His presence known to us and His heart clear to us.

The bracelets and other paraphernalia are just reminders to them to remember to do what is good and right. You know the human mind so easily gets distracted and loses focus, so we need reminders of things that are important to us.

Answer 10

I do not wear such stuff, because I know I fall short and half the stuff most so called christians do Jesus sure wouldnt have done. His guide lines are in the word of God, so there for we know what he did and we are to be like him. I know we will not be perfect yet, but one day we will be.