When my wife and I decided to remodel our kitchen—adjusting cabinets, updating drawer fronts, and creating more counter space—I found myself pondering a classic question: What would Jesus do? Surely, as a former carpenter, Jesus would side with me on the layout debate.
But as I scanned the Gospels, I realized there isn’t much about Jesus collaborating on a home renovation. I was stumped.
The phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" traces back to Rev. Charles Sheldon’s 1896 novel, In His Steps, and later became a cultural phenomenon through WWJD-branded bracelets, shirts, and mugs. The slogan encourages people to act like Jesus, but as much as I love the Gospels, they don't offer step-by-step guidance for many aspects of modern life. Jesus never married, owned a home, or voted. Does that mean we're left without answers?
Not exactly.
Jesus’ actions weren’t random; they reflected His thoughts. To act like Jesus, we must first think like Jesus. As Romans 12:2 says, "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
So, how did Jesus think? Here are a few key insights:
- Grace and Truth: Jesus balanced compassion with integrity. He extended grace, not giving people what they deserved, yet upheld truth, letting it shape His values and choices (John 1:14-18).
- Love: Jesus loved fully, looking beyond flaws to see the value in every person created in His image. His love guided His every action.
- Serving Others: Secure in His identity, Jesus humbled Himself to serve others, placing their well-being above His own (Philippians 2:3-8).
- Forgiveness: Jesus prioritized relationships, knowing forgiveness is essential for their survival. He bore the cost of forgiveness Himself.
- Redemption: With eternity in mind, Jesus sought to save the lost, placing their salvation at the center of His mission (Luke 19:10).
- The Fruit of the Spirit: Jesus’ thoughts and actions radiated love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
It’s possible to act like Jesus outwardly while missing His heart. Right behavior without grace, patience, or concern for others’ well-being falls short. Thinking like Jesus transforms who we are, leading to actions that genuinely reflect Him.
So, how’s the kitchen coming? It’s progressing well, though I’ve learned something even more valuable: rather than asking, What would Jesus do?, we should first ask, What would Jesus think? That’s where true transformation begins.