A few years ago, it seemed like everyone was sporting a bracelet or T-shirt or ball cap with the initials “WWJD” – What Would Jesus Do? The question came from a book written by Charles Sheldon over a hundred years ago — in 1896 — called In His Steps. Sheldon was inspired by 1 Peter 2:21, which (like this week’s memory verse, John 13:15) says Jesus left us His example, that we should “follow in His steps.” The novel tells the story of a group of ordinary townspeople who decide to take their faith more seriously — to take God’s Word to heart — and live their daily lives in light of what Jesus would do.
It’s incredible! (There’s still time to add it to your summer reading list. You can actually download the Kindle edition for FREE onto your smartphone, ipad or ereader.)
But sometimes I wonder if — as Christians today — we really know what Jesus would do? Maybe we just think we do.
Because it’s not about what sounds right or feels right or seems right — what makes sense to us. We’ve got to really get to know Jesus, if we want to be able to say with any reasonable certainty what He would do. If we want to follow His example, follow in His steps.
Of course it starts with His Word.
If you have 15 or 20 minutes sometime today or over the weekend, spend some time reflecting on what Jesus would do — by remembering what He did! I’ve got some scenarios and Scriptures to get you started, but you can probably come up with many more.
How did Jesus respond to…
Pressure and stress, the dailiness and busyness of life Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35
Temptation Matthew 4:1-11
Corporate sin, wickedness, greed and corruption See John 2:1-17 and Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees throughout the Gospels
Individuals who were lost and hurting; outcasts, sinners, seekers John 3:1-16, 4:4-26, 5:1-3, 8:1-11, 9:1-12
Relationships with those who knew Him best, who should have treated Him with more love and respect John 13:1-17
If you have two minutes more, listen to this prayer — a favorite of Mother Teresa’s. The Litany of Humility
Fun Friday Craft
It’s Fun Friday! I found another super-inexpensive, super-easy craft project on Pinterest. This idea came from Camilla Fabri, who posted about it on her blog, Family Chic: DIY Recycled T-Shirt Bracelets. With a little help from one of my nephews (even boys like this craft), I made my own bracelets for the pictures you see below.
All you need are a pair of scissors, some t-shirts you want to repurpose, and bangle bracelets (plastic, metal, or wood). Most of us already have an assortment of these bracelets and t-shirts on hand — but they could also be purchased at garage sales or Goodwill for a couple of dollars.
Step 1: Cut the fabric (t-shirts) into strips between 12-14 inches long and 1/2 inch to 1 inch wide — depending on the size of your bracelets. Larger bracelets require longer strips. (I didn’t measure mine — I just guesstimated and they turned out fine.)
Step 2: Tie one of the strips onto a bracelet, with a simple knot. Leave at least an inch or two at the end for tying up later. (See the picture on the bottom left corner of the collage.)
Step 3: Wrap the fabric around the bracelet, pulling each loop tightly to secure it. When you get back to the knot, tie off the fabric with another simple knot and cut any extra length off. (In her tutorial, Camilla mentions that you could use a hot glue gun or fabric glue to secure the ends — so you don’t have a knobby knot. But I haven’t used my glue gun since the early 90s. I have no idea where it is. Knots worked just fine for us.)
That’s it! Ta-da! What was once cheap and plasticky or tarnished or worn-out now looks cute and chic! You can make these DIY Bracelets on your own, with your kids or grandkids, with your Sunday School class or at a birthday or slumber party.
What do you think? Any other ideas?
