Several years ago, these letters, “WWJD?” seemed to be everywhere. We all know they represent “What Would Jesus Do?” I think these letters and the question were meant to challenge society to consider the moral implications of their everyday decisions. Now in this new COVID-19 reality, WWJD may have new meaning.
Since my father transitioned to that undiscovered country five years ago, I usually spend Easter Sunday in San Antonio. This year is different. But this year is different for everyone. So, as I watched Easter Sunday services from home, the letters WWJD came to me. With all the challenges facing our society, I asked myself, WWJD?
I guess the most pressing issue confronting this society, and the world, is the current COVID-19 pandemic. WWJD? I think Jesus would want us to remember that God is in control in good days and bad days. Then he would remind us that those bad days won’t last forever.
The next issue is the ongoing “tribalism” in our politics. I don’t know how I feel about that word, tribalism. In the classroom, I describe it as several groups existing in physical proximity to one another but living in a constant state of competition. Members of each group support one another, even when it’s obviously apparent one of their own is incompetent and morally wrong. Nonetheless, tribalism became a part of our political conversation after The Donald became president. However, its characteristics were painfully obvious and tangible in 2008 when Obama made history. WWJD? Jesus preached love for one another. Even though he lived in an age of tribalism, Jesus believed God’s message to be taken throughout the world. Salvation was for everyone that believed, regardless of group affiliation. So, his message today would be to remove the walls that separate us and focus on the only One that matters: The God of our salvation.
Lastly, our society continues to struggle with the vestiges of out of control capitalism. Let me clarify. Out of control capitalism occurs when individuals believe the only way to material success is to take advantage of others. Being a good neighbor is not nearly as important as material success. These individuals will alienate family and friends in search of the next dollar. The result has been a society that has rigid rules based on income. WWJD? Jesus would probably want us to focus on God’s upcoming kingdom. A kingdom where the material possessions of this world have no meaning. Jesus once told a rich man the way to gain a place in God’s eternal kingdom would be to sell all he had and commit to following his example. The rich man walked away from Jesus dejected. Today, Jesus would tell us that any actions designed to advance material gain at the expense of others would be discouraged. He would also want us to forgive those who don’t understand that money won’t buy salvation.
This year’s Easter Sunday was certainly different and probably the beginning of a new normal. But that’s ok. I try not to be fearful, because God’s staff and rod provide comfort that the Shepard protects me. That’s what Jesus would do.
Later