In 1896, Pastor Charles M. Sheldon published a book based on a series of “sermon stories” he had used for his church’s Sunday night services. The book was a huge success, selling over 50 million copies, and today ranks as an inspirational classic. “In His Steps” posed a question in its subtitle, “What Would Jesus Do?” The book became better known by its subtitle, eventually giving rise a hundred years later to the “What Would Jesus Do Movement.”
As we approach the election of a president in a few months, and so many seem to be hyperventilating over which candidate poses the most dangerous threat to democracy and civilization, perhaps the question would be apropos: “What would Jesus do?”
A friend posted on Facebook that he was taking a leave of absence from social media for the next few months, or at least until the presidential election. He rightly recognized that the anger and vitriol voiced by many regarding the upcoming election was draining his emotions.
Someone immediately chastised him for his decision, urging him to stay in the fight, that the outcome in November depended on people like him working for the cause. Immediately another posted in response to that person, stating the remarks only proved the very reason why my friend was avoiding social media.
How can we tone it down and maintain some emotional equilibrium? For some, it might mean disengaging for a while. Others find meaning in the fray. For all, self-examination is key. We are better people when we don’t let our emotions rule us, slowing down long enough to ask the question Charles Sheldon presented to his congregation.
Perhaps the question, “What would Jesus do?” wrongly assumes Jesus ISN’T here, so maybe we should ask, “What would the presence of Jesus have ME do in this situation?”
The answer is not always clear. And Jesus himself was unpredictable.
Who could have guessed that Jesus would respond as he did when the Pharisees posed that trap question about taxes? “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
What did Jesus do? He answered the question with a question. Asking for a coin, Jesus asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” Of course, the coin had the Emperor’s imprint and name. “Well, then, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” Jesus’ interrogators sulked away.
Who would have predicted Jesus’s response to Pilate when he grilled Jesus about his political aspirations? Jesus could have weaseled out, begging for his life, denying his cause. Instead, he admitted he had a kingdom: it was just not of this world. He left Pilate scratching his head and even more puzzled by Jesus’ follow-up: “Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth.” Pilate then asked the question of the ages, “What is truth?” when it was standing before him.
So, given our political divide, what would Jesus do (or ask his followers to do) today?
While Jesus meant what he said about his kingdom not being of this world and even warned about those who say, “There it is,” he did tell us where we could find it: “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). If it is within, it is from God and thus a miracle of God’s grace. We can see evidence of it in our attitudes and actions, such as humility, justice, righteousness, peace, kindness, and love.
How is it possible? “Humanly speaking,” Jesus told his disciples, “it is impossible. But with God everything is possible” (Matthew 19:26).
It is possible to live so that we impact God’s kingdom on those around us and, through others and even organizations, on our culture.
So, “What would Jesus have me do in these next few months leading up to November 5?”
“Turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).
“How? Where?”
“The Holy Spirit whom I send will guide you” (John 14:26).
“But what about those who don’t see it my way?”
“As for you, follow me” (John 21:22).
Try doing that between now and election day.
It may not be easy, but it is possible.