When you go to church, expect to give everything

WWJD: To me those are the most obnoxious letters ever put together. They stand for “What would Jesus do?” The reason I don’t care for them is this: we don’t need to wonder what Jesus would do, we need to repeat what Jesus did and taught.

For instance: Luke 14:12-14 has Jesus suggesting that when we give a luncheon party we shouldn’t invite friends, but we should invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. The reasoning is this: you give a good enough party and those who attended will invite you to theirs. However, when you invite the poor, lame, cripple and blind, they cannot throw you a party, and you will be blessed in the Kingdom.

Jesus was all about selflessness. He was not above teaching to children or adults. He was not above manual labor. His teachings were to build the Kingdom, not himself. His focus was on God and not his own status. There is not question about what Jesus would do, the question is, are we willing to do what Jesus did?

And that folks, is what being a disciple is all about. Disciples emulate their teachers. They lead others to be disciples of their leader. When following Christ there is no WWJD, because we should be very aware of WDJD (What did Jesus do?)

Think about it, when they presented to him a woman that was caught in adultery, he did not condemn, but offered compassion and salvation. To the hungry, he offered food; to the lame, mobility. He gave life to the dead and hope to the possessed. All this while giving God the sole glory. And when he died, he gave us forgiveness.

Maybe the letters should be WAUWTDFTK (What are you willing to do for the Kingdom?) Maybe that is a bit much. How about this AYW (Are you willing).

Are you willing to leave your comfort zone, so others can know Christ? Are you willing to give up a purchase to help someone buy food? Are you willing to give someone a ride to church, even if it isn’t the church you go to? Are you willing to provide shelter or food as needed to those in need?

Are you willing to help a child learn to read, or help a teenager navigate math? Are you willing to visit the sick and imprisoned because they don’t have anyone? Are you willing to pick up a bible and teach Christ to any who will listen? Are you willing to set yourself aside so someone can know Christ? Are you willing to be the hands and feet of Christ?

Folks, WWJD is not discipleship, it is justification. Discipleship is not asking but doing. The world today needs more discipling and less justifying. Being a disciple means building the Kingdom.

Want to know more, then get to Church. It doesn’t matter which one, all our churches need attendees. But when you go, don’t go expecting to get something. Jesus never expected to get anything. When you go to church, expect to give everything, after all, that’s what Christ did.

See you in church.

Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.