What Would Jesus Do? A New Year Resolution

24Happy New Year everyone! Looking forward to another lap around the sun. With the new year, I want make our way back around to a topic we discussed a few years ago…consider it kind of a resolution of sorts. Y’all remember the trend many years ago that we all wore in our arms and stuck bumper stickers on our cars that said, “WWJD”? (What would Jesus Do)I’ve been reading about how we should watch what we say and how we act and this came to mind. Why ever happened to it? Did we figure out what Jesus would do? Did we stop caring? Well, I think it would be just as applicable today than it was whenever is was “cool”. Being “judgmental” is one of the greatest social sins you can commit today. You can hold any ideas you may care to, but you absolutely may not ever make somebody else feel uncomfortable or “othered” because of his or her lifestyle or beliefs. Seems like we know what this is right? I’m pretty sure we call it being politically correct and it certainly get taken to the extreme. However, the basis of the idea is noble. As Christians we know that God expects us to witness to his Word and hold onto his standards. So what is the difference between faithful witness and judging?“Judging” is looking down at someone else, imagining yourself to be more worthy of God’s mercy, despising others for their weakness, lasering in on others’ faults while never looking at your own. St. Paul was once a Pharisee, and he knew the deadly danger of becoming one. Here are more helpful attitudes to adopt: interpreting the words and actions of others in the kindest possible way instead of the worst ... keeping your words soft and humble ... if you have to say things that point out someone else’s flaws, try opening up your life to correction by that person ... looking always to build up other people instead of tearing them down.Imagine that Jesus is in the room with you and your talk. Would he like what he is hearing? You know, don’t you, that he is actually in the room?Be Nice. Grace Wins.