Since mention is made in
the article, “Complaining,” of the expression, “What would Jesus do (WWJD)?”
and since a series of articles on “The Mind of Jesus” begins in this issue, I
would like to make some comments on WWJD. The WWJD question was popularized in
1896 by Charles Sheldon in his book, In His Steps. Both the slogan and
the book experienced a revival around the time of their 100th anniversary. WWJD
is an appealing slogan for true, born again Christians, provided that we obtain
our insights from the Scriptures. We are indeed instructed to “let this mind be
in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5).

  As a cautionary note,
however, it must be stated that Sheldon’s book itself is faulty in that the
slogan is presented to all people, without discriminating between true
believers and unbelievers or nominal Christians. Thus it easily lends itself to
a doctrine of salvation by works (in this case, by following the example of
Christ). The book nowhere states the Biblical truth that every man, woman, and
child is “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1) and needs to place their full
faith and trust in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross where He paid the
tremendous penalty for our sins. Only then can we have the power and true
motivation to follow in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus.

  I suggest that we be alert
to people sporting WWJD book bags, pens, camera straps, key chains, etc., and
seek to engage them in conversation about what the Lord Jesus means to them and
what is the basis for their hope of salvation. Alternatively, we should be
prepared to hand them a gospel tract, such as “The Matchless Pearl,” that
clearly contrasts the Biblical gospel of grace with man’s gospel of works. This
tract can be obtained from the editor or publisher of Words of Truth
(see addresses below). Another relevant gospel tract entitled “WWJD?” can be
obtained from the editor or from the American Tract Society.