What Would Jesus Do?

What would Jesus do? It’s such a clichéd phrase that can seemingly mean nothing to those touting bracelets with the letter WWJD embossed on the silver plating. Like for example, when Gary and I were in Florida, we attended a vacation time-share presentation; this one as high-pressure as they come. The first fellow (the soft-sell guy) was wearing one such bracelet. We talked about it, him and me. I asked him how he could wear his faith like that but work at a job that encourages people to go into debt for the luxury item of a vacation/year. Needless to say, we didn’t buy into the time-share and after several pressured moments, we were finally given our free passes to SeaWorld and we were on our way.

It’s the hypocrisy of the question not being lived out that rubs me the wrong way. If you’re going to ask the question, find out the answer and then do it, otherwise it’s just another meaningless cliché. Such is the place I find myself. A friend recently challenged me by relating a dialogue she herself had with God. “Do you want to be like Paul, who preached ‘right living’? Or do you want to be like Jesus, who loved mercy?”

I’m not big on mercy. Mercy is difficult for me. Anytime I’ve ever taken spiritual gift aptitude tests, Mercy always falls at One (which is being generous) or most likely, a Zero. BUT just because I don’t score high on an aptitude for mercy, doesn’t give me an out. Philippians 2:5 says to me that my attitude should be like Jesus. Jesus’ ministry was personified by acts of love and mercy.

I have somebody in my life who is needy. We all have somebody in our lives who are needy, so I know everyone can relate at some level. Not only is this person who is in my life needy, but also prideful, self-absorbed, and unteachable. And, this person requires assistance – assistance which I am able to provide. But I don’t want to, at least not just help. Every Teacher inclination in me wants to help and teach, but the present situation isn’t a teaching moment, it only calls for help. So I find myself at a crux, asking myself the question, “What would Jesus do?”

Scripture tells us because we have received [mercy], we should in turn also freely give [mercy] (add-in mine). Scripture tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. Okay, I understand that part. If the situation calls for giving, I’m supposed to give freely, without exception and without strings. But, is giving formulaic? In other words, if I give this time, should I give next time (and there is always a next time)?

So actually, the question for me is, “What is merciful in this situation, for this time?” Unfortunately, Scripture doesn’t give us a formula to follow each time. Instead, through Jesus’ example, we see mercy displayed in many different ways. Take for example, the methods Jesus used to heal blindness – he spit on their eyes, spoke healing, touched their eyes, created a mud paste and covered the eyes – too many ways to come up with a mathematical formula to say if you do A+B+C, it will equal X. Even in the OT, David lost a battle because he did what he had done before, thinking there was a formula and he didn’t consult God for his next move.
Likewise, I need to consult Jesus each and every time this situation presents itself. And to do that, (and really make sure I’m hearing his voice, and not my own), I need to rely on Jesus for my every move, particularly as it pertains to this person because what I want to do, flies in the face of mercy.

O Lord, one of my favourite songs right now starts with the lyrics, “I try to hear from heaven but I talk the whole time,” I pray that isn’t true for me. I want to listen to your voice and do what you would do. I don’t want to act as worldly wisdom would counsel me, which operates on a system of checks & balances, but I want to offer mercy, as you have offered me mercy. Your word says, “Call to me and I will answer you” and “if any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God for it who gives generously to all without finding fault.” I need you to answer me, I need wisdom and then I need courage to do what you ask me to do. I pray this in the name of Jesus who intercedes for me. Amen