Bracelets with the letters WWJD became very popular in the 1990’s and 2000’s. They were a reminder to model our decisions and actions upon the teachings and character of Jesus, by presenting the question “What Would Jesus Do?” These bracelets reminded people of their faith and could be used as an evangelism tool to spark conversations about Jesus. They served as a reminder to consider how the wearer should act in the moment, based on how Jesus would have acted in the same circumstance.
This is certainly a good thing to wear and remember, but the apostle Peter may have advocated for a second bracelet with the letters WWJT- “What Would Jesus Think?” We know that we are called to live like Christ, but we fight an enemy who wants to prevent us from doing so. We will not not win this war by accident. Living like Jesus requires being equipped by thinking like Jesus. Encouraging believers to be prepared for spiritual battles, 1 Peter 4:1-6 gives us four thoughts we must have in order to think like Jesus.
1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. – 1 Peter 4:1-6
- Suffering for righteousness is a part of the deal
We must accept suffering as a fact of life as Jesus did if we want to live like Him. We naturally see suffering as a sign to stop what we are doing, but it is often a sign that the enemy is trying to stop us from pursuing righteousness. Being prepared to face this opposition is evidence that we truly have faith and follow Christ above all.
2. Live righteously with zeal
Choosing God’s will requires rejecting the ways of the world. Salvation should create in us a deep gratitude that causes us to obey God. When we remember how Christ gave everything to forgive us, we are fueled to give everything to live righteously.
3. Be ready for people to say “Are you for real?”
As Christians we do not belong to this world. But many people will be surprised when we stop participating in normal and accepted sins in order to participate in righteousness. We must be ready to face criticism and rejection as we focus on living for God instead of ourselves.
4. Look towards what is coming, not what I currently feel
Living in righteousness will not always be easy, but we know that one day there will be judgement for sin. We do not take the easy way out because we know that our reward for following Christ is eternal life. Being criticized may hurt in the moment, but it will be well worth it in eternity.
Our focus is not on what feels good right now, but on eternal life with Christ. If we want to act like Jesus in hard times, we must be motivated to make decisions by asking the question “What Would Jesus Think?”