The Power of Really Asking “What Would Jesus Do?”

Heather Adams

What Would Jesus Do grew out of the Biblical concept of the “Imitatio Christi,” or the “Imitation of Christ,” one of the teachings stressed in The Roman Catholic Church. Thomas a Kempis wrote a book with the title Imitation of Christ in the 1400s. John Wesley later built on the foundation of this theme, adding a social welfare component.

Inspired by Kempis’ book, the preacher Charles Spurgeon peppered one of his sermons with the phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” in 1881 in London. The Reverend A.B. Simpson composed a hymn that year using that phrase as the name. But Reverend Charles Sheldon was the one who introduced it to a wider audience. 

In 1890, Reverend Sheldon was leading the Central Congregational Church of Topeka, Kansas. He had been growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of attendance at the Sunday night services there, and decided to try a new approach to his messages.

Sheldon acknowledged the challenges of imitating Christ while living in modern society. So, he came upon the idea of composing a string of what he called “sermon stories” to address this point in his late Sunday meetings. Each week, he presented an episode that depicted a moral dilemma someone might face. The messages all ended with a cliffhanger, and the question, “What would Jesus do?” Attendance at Central Congregational quickly surged.

Encouraged by the response, Reverend Sheldon wrote a book in 1896 titled, In His Steps, which continued on this theme of making choices in daily life that reflect the values of Jesus. Because of a defective copyright, 70 different publishers in America and beyond ended up publishing the book. A bestseller, it was eventually translated into a number of foreign languages as well.

One of the stories, about how a newspaper editor applied the question, “What Would Jesus Do,” inspired the Topeka Daily Capital editor to invite Sheldon to take over his paper for a week. In March of 1900, readers saw, instead of the usual stories, reports about social reforms, missionaries, and fundraising efforts for India. Ads that the Reverend found offensive were taken out or re-worded. The experiment was a great success – many people around the world subscribed for the week.

Garrett W. Sheldon, Reverend Sheldon’s great-grandson, published an updated version of the book and called it What Would Jesus Do?: A Contemporary Retelling of Charles M. Sheldon’s Classic In His Steps.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Ben White

It sounds simplistic, but to be able to answer the WWJD question correctly, we have to be familiar with what Jesus did during His life and ministry. The books Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the New Testament are the authoritative sources about how Jesus lived. Reading and studying the four Gospels is the perfect first step toward responding like Jesus.

Though WWJD refers to New Testament history, awareness of Old Testament truths is important for us, too. Jesus often reminded the disciples that He was the Son of God, and that “whatever the Father does the Son also does” (John 5:19). God’s commands in the Old Testament were the basis for Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels – quoting related passages gave context to His listeners. One example is in Matthew 5, during the Sermon on the Mount.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’” (Matthew 5:27).

“You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).

Many times, Jesus taught His lessons plainly and directly. But on some occasions, Jesus spoke in parables, or stories such as these, to teach a life principle. 

The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37): We are to show God’s love to others, treating them with respect.

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:11-27): We are to use our gifts (time, talent, treasure) to grow God’s Kingdom.

The Rich Fool (Luke 16-21): We are to be generous and share our blessings.

While exploring what Jesus would do, it’s instructive to take a look at what Jesus wouldn’t do as well. In short, Jesus refused to do anything that would dishonor God. So, all of His actions were aimed at bringing glory to His Father. 

Several accounts in the Gospels show His unwillingness to tolerate anything that stood against God. He continued to praise God as He was repeatedly tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13, Mark 1:12-13). He openly rebuked the religious leaders for unrighteous practices (Matthew 7:5, 15:7-9, 23:29). Even as Jesus faced crucifixion, He remained obedient to His Father’s will (Matthew 26:39).

“What Would Jesus Do?” is so much more than a saying for Christians – it’s a habit that encourages right living. But when a phrase is around long enough, it can start to be used casually, or even fade away altogether. Knowing the origins of WWJD and how it has inspired so many before us actually adds to its relevance today.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/kevinschreiber 

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Heather Adams is an author, speaker, and singer living in Connecticut. Heather’s passion is to equip and encourage believers to seek more of God’s truth and to experience more of His joy each day. Her book, Bow Down: The Heart of a True Worshipper is a practical, 30-day devotional about worship based on the writings of King David. Heather’s blog, Worship Walk Ministries, offers weekly Scripture passages and insights to ponder. A native New Englander, Heather is settling into her home in the South, trying out local foods and watching for the alligators that live nearby! You can connect with her on her website: heatheradamsworshipwalk.com

God wants a relationship with us and promises to reward those who seek to draw closer to Him (Hebrews 11:6). Here are some things each of us can do to foster a greater relationship with our creator.

1. Pray.
This is how we talk with God. It’s an open line of communication that allows us to build a relationship with Him. Remember, prayer is about you and God, so be humble and don’t make a show of it to others. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6 NIV). Not sure how to pray? Check out the template Jesus gives us in Matthew 6:9-13— otherwise known as The Lord’s Prayer.

2. Read the Bible.
This is how we know who God is and how He works—because Scripture is literally His inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we study the Bible, we understand God’s purpose for our lives, so it’s important to consider the context of what we read. We’re told to meditate on the Word day and night (Joshua 1:8), so take your time. Just like other relationships, there’s no need to rush things with God. Remember, everything is in His timing already.

3. Give thanks.
When we properly show gratitude by obeying God’s commandments, we’re acknowledging what He’s done for us.

4. Practice humility.
Pride is selfishness, which goes against God’s Will. Being humble allows us to be used by God, as He shows favor to those who put His Will above their own (Proverbs 3:34).

5. Memorize scripture.
As humans, it’s natural for us to sin. But committing scripture to memory stores it in our heart and makes it less likely for us to sin (Psalm 119:11). “All Scripture is breathed by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV).

6. Honor God with your body.
Maintain good health, keep your purity and use your body only in ways that glorify God. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV).

7. Start and End your day with God.
Bookend your days with gratitude toward God, so He’ll be on your mind all day. 

8. Take thoughts captive.
Cut out the distractions, as frivolous and ungodly thoughts negatively impact our relationship with God. Remember, it takes conscious effort to identify and eliminate distraction from our lives. Rather than asking God to remove distractions, ask Him to identify them to you—then for the strength to overcome them.

9. Give back to God.
Earnestly give the best of every part of your life to God—time, money, possessions, thought, etc.—as a way to show gratitude. “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV).

10. Take communion.
Participate in a public gathering of believers to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with what His actions accomplished (Luke 22:19-21).

11. Repent of sins.
If we confess our sins to God, He will forgive them and make us right (1 John 1:9). However, if we deliberately sin, His sacrifice no longer remains (Hebrews 10:26). So, if you’re struggling with a particular sin, it’s better to remove yourself from any environment where you’ll be tempted to act on that sin (Matthew 5:29).

12. Keep a journal of blessings and answered prayers.
Continually remind yourself of God’s faithfulness and His blessings.

13. Sing Praise.
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise” (James 5:13 ESV). We serve an all-powerful, all-loving God who saved us from eternity in hell. We should be cheerful about that.

14. Fast.
Scripture (Luke 5:35) recommends temporarily abstaining from necessities, like eating, to intensify our dependence on God through prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5). This helps us to put our sole focus on Him before important decisions. Matthew 6:16-18 gives insight on what our fasting should look like.

15. Share the Gospel.
As believers, we’re commanded to tell everyone the full Gospel (the Good News) of Jesus Christ through our words and actions (Matthew 28:19-20). Don’t worry about persuading anyone to believe this message, as it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to change people’s hearts (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). We just need to clearly communicate it and demonstrate it in a Christ-like manner.

16. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad in it.
We’re commanded to be joyful. If you’re having difficulty doing so, talk with God. You may have an unresolved sin issue. So confess, repent and return to the joyful life that God has planned for you.

17. Tend the earth.
Nurturing plants is nurturing God’s creation—not only by fostering beauty but by raising nutritious, life-sustaining food. “Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food’” (Genesis 1:29 NIV). Share your bounty with others, particularly homeless shelters. “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16 NIV)

18. Bring order to your home.
Just like our bodies, God commands us to be in control of our family and possessions. Drive out chaos by keeping a tidy home and developing systems to help everyone in the family be more efficient with their time and resources. “For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” (1 Timothy 3:5).

19. Seek guidance from wise counsel.
God places these people in our lives for a reason. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:5 ESV).

20. Do good works.
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). We’re not saved by our good works—as only Jesus’ death and resurrection does that—but they are a sign of a true believer.

21. Respect those in charge.
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is not authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13:1-2 ESV).

22. Fellowship with other Christians.
Be careful who you spend time with, as their thoughts and actions will impact yours. Fellow believers will encourage you in your walk with God. “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV).

23. Forgive Others.
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15 ESV). Forgiving those who’ve wronged us allows us to heal and return our focus to God.

24. Avoid things God hates.
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 6:16-20 ESV).

25. Help others in need.
Demonstrate the love of Christ by going out of your way to help less the fortunate without expecting anything in return. But rest assured, God will reward those deeds (Romans 2:6).

Genesis 12:1-3 King James Version

12:1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

² And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

³ And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.