Did you know that the “What Would Jesus Do?” (WWJD) movement actually dates back to the early 1900s? It was inspired by Charles Sheldon’s 1896 novel, In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?. While WWJD gained mainstream popularity in the 1990s with Christian youth groups, the question itself has been prompting believers for over a century. Today, I offer up to you WWJDIHWM. Something that has resonated with me from the moment I read it in John Mark Comer’s book, Practicing the Way.
I know, I know—another acronym?! If you’ve ever sat through an office meeting or texted with your kids, you’ve likely been bombarded with an alphabet soup of abbreviations. But stay with me—this one might just change the way you live out your faith.
The Challenge of WWJD
WWJD is a powerful question, but let’s be honest—it can feel a little abstract. After all, we’re not first-century Jewish rabbis. So there’s that.
- When was the last time you walked on water?
- Turned water into wine?
- Healed the sick or raised the dead?
Yeah, me neither.
Jesus did incredible, supernatural things. But more importantly, He met people where they were and loved them deeply. He dined with tax collectors, prostitutes, Romans, Jews, and Pharisees. He spent time with the outcasts and the ordinary. He walked alongside people, quite literally, for miles.
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
As Jesus Himself said,
Matthew 22:37-39
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
WWJDIHWM: Making It Personal
So here’s the question: What Would Jesus Do If He Were Me (WWJDIHWM)?
- I’m not Jesus, but I am a mom, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a friend, and a short-term rental host.
- I love photography, nature, and getting to know people.
Now, who are you?
- What do you do for work? For fun?
- Where do you live? What are your passions?
- Are you shy or outgoing? A talker or a listener?
- Do you love to cook, dance, sing, and thrift? Are you mechanically inclined? Do you have an eye for design?
You Were Created With Purpose
Psalm 139:13-15 NIV
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
What if who you already are is exactly who God created you to be? What if the gifts and quirks that make you you are precisely how you can live out Christ’s love in the world?
The Power of Everyday Connection
In a world where we are more connected (digitally) than we have ever been, yet more disconnected (face-to-face) than at any other time in our lives so far, how important is it to connect with people? When everything is pulling us further and further away from others and deeper and deeper into ourselves, connecting with others is life giving love.
Loving like Jesus can be simple:
- Cook a meal for someone.
- Watch a mama’s little ones so she can rest.
- Help a widow move into her new home.
- Smile at a stranger.
- Let your spouse vent after a long day.
- Offer a hug.
- Mentor someone.
- Show up and be present.
- In the heat of the moment, words left unsaid.
Challenge of the Week
What Would Jesus Do If He Were You? How can you, in love, meet people where they are? Then walk that out, whatever that is. Because you are beautifully and wonderfully made for a time such as this. So be it!
Related Posts:
