WWJD

What would Jesus do? A very valid question completely ruined by the cheesy Christian merchandising machine. I don't need a bracelet, T-shirt, coffee mug or desk top pen set made from wood from the Holy Land engraved with this thought. However a couple of situations have come up this week that have had me literally asking what would Jesus do.

I met with my friend and fellow leader Charissa this week. I miss not working with her everyday but as Forest Gump would say - that's all I have to say about that. We were catching up but also talking about a direction God seems to have been taking our ministry. We have been blessed (and I don't mean that sarcastically for those of you that know my gift in that area) with several students with some alternative lifestyles. I don't know all the answers. At times it feels as if I have more questions than answers but I know that God loves them and desperately wants to have a relationship with them. I think it is amazing that they feel comfortable and willing to ask tough questions and I honestly believe God is at work in their lives. I am a little dumbfounded because in the past I have not been gracious or open to accept people that were that different than me. God did something amazing by allowing me to fall in love with some people and then learn about that aspect of their lives. It's much harder to hate when you are sitting knee to knee with someone close enough to wipe the tears from their eyes. Especially the ones you have caused. Generally I prefer to throw the first stone from far away. The only thing I do know thru out this is I keep asking myself - what would Jesus do? How would He love them? How would He challenge them to grow closer to Himself? I figure if I follow that mantra I can't go wrong.

The other situation arose when I heard from an old co-worker this week. I have been inviting her to church since we worked together. It has been one of those unique relationships where someone has seen my "testimony" at it's very worst but yet God keeps opening doors. I just have to remember ultimately it's not about me and regardless of my past mistakes of not living a very Christ-like life it's all about Jesus getting hold of someones life. Since she lives near the Shorewood campus, the conversation has started up anew. This week she indicated she might come, however she reminded me that the deal I struck when I worked with her was - the church of my choice for the bar of hers. I remember thinking I was pretty clever at the time but now my personal fears of reputation and what people think make me feel less so. Then I start wondering what would Jesus do. And I remember what Jesus did and does everyday - He meets people right where they are. Without qualification, without reservation, without any thought of self, He recklessly and wildly pursues His beloved creation. He gave of Himself til the point of even death. So I am again reminded that it is not about me. My poor decisions and over-indulgences of the past cannot overcome my friends need for Jesus. They can be a distraction and I am thankful that God has given me a chance to still introduce her to the Jesus I love. A bar of her choice is a small price to pay. And I will go to where she is knowing that Jesus will be with me all the way. In fact He is already there.

Maybe I need that desk set after all.