wwjd?

by: grace Youngson

"What Would Jesus Do?" has become a cliché among many Christians, yet I believe it is the most critical question we should be asking when confronting today’s cultural issues. From tackling abortion and gender dysphoria to rising divorce rates, sex trafficking, and the challenges of ungodly leadership, now more than ever we need direction on how to bring transformation to these issues.

It’s essential to note that we have to view these issues through the understanding that they revolve around people with their own individual stories and struggles. In other words, these issues are far from being abstract problems to be solved.

To answer the question of what Jesus would do were He in our shoes, let’s look at what Jesus did:

Jesus ate with sinners.

Jesus made a radical move by bridging the divide between the sacred and the sinful. He dared to come into our world, reaching out rather than waiting for us to seek Him. Too often today, there seems to be two separate realms: the Christian bubble we inhabit and then the rest of world filled with darkness, struggle, and pain. In such a picture, we often fail to engage and be the light to those who are lost, but instead hide away in our metaphorical “prayer closets,” thinking that prayer alone is enough. 

But this was not Jesus’ approach. He wasn’t afraid to venture into dark places. Eating with sinners was more than just a casual, “Let’s grab coffee for an hour”. During Jesus’ time, to eat with someone was a sign of respect and love. And consider what may have taken place at these dinners – quite probably all sorts of perverse things and crazy conversations. But this did not scare Jesus. He took time to listen to them, eat with them, and be present with them. In Matthew 11:19, he was even called a friend of tax collectors and sinners. A friend is more than just an acquaintance - a friend walks alongside you through the hard times, seeking your best. 

Jesus taught in parables.

Jesus’ teaching-style is another key part of His approach to take note of. Jesus was very intentional about making His teachings understandable for His audience. For example, when He was talking to farmers, he used a farming analogy. He made it easy for people to understand and relate to what He was saying. He knew His audience. Similarly, we are to know our audience and avoid condescension, but rather seek the Lord on how to best minister to them.

Jesus had compassion.

Our motive behind our ministry is the most important part of whatever we strive to do. Jesus, of all people, had the right to judge. After all, He was and is perfect in every way. And yet, we read time and time again that Jesus was moved with compassion towards those He ministered to, not judgement. 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that unless we minister to others from a motivation of love, it is worthless. We should not be active in culture to simply feel good about ourselves. This is not what God has called us to. We are to be motivated by genuine love, care, and concern for those around us. 

These three actions of Jesus and the principles behind them, I believe, are to be our strategy in transforming culture. We are not to be afraid to go out into the world. As we do so, we are to seek to connect with people and be relatable. And in everything we do, we are to do so from a heart of love.

And remember what 1 Corinthians 13:8 tells us: Love never fails.

Here at 1630, we are transforming America by spreading the love of Jesus. Will you join us?