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W.W.J.D. (a reflection by Willy Effinger)
Many times over the past fifteen years, I have been asked about the significance of the band I wear around my wrist. It reads: W.W.J.D. No, it doesn't stand for “What would Jesus drive?”; but if it did, you can be sure it would not be a Rolls Royce or a gas-guzzling monster truck.
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? In 1John2:5-6 we read: “The way we can be sure we are in union with Him is for the man who claims to abide in Him to conduct himself just as He did.” This is precisely the reason for wearing a W.W.J.D. band ... to bind Jesus' words, His life, His mission, His teachings – everything about Him - to my wrist as a visual reminder of the One I am trying to imitate.
Each day, I am reminded that I should be walking in His footsteps, imitating His conduct, in everything that I do, from morning until night. One can get a certain knowledge of Him, by asking oneself in every situation: “What would HE do?” and then acting accordingly.
Jesus is the only perfect example, the only One we can imitate without sliding into problems. His conduct is light years above our own, so it is only by His Divine Grace that we can ever live according to His Holy Spirit. As Scripture says: “Those who are living by their natural inclinations have their minds on the things human nature desires; those who live in the Spirit have their minds on spiritual things.” (Romans 8:5)
It is good for us to have such an outstanding role model, One we can imitate without any regrets. It is good for us to commit our lives to Jesus and to follow Him unreservedly. What would Jesus do? He would always do the Father's will! He would – as He did – carry the Cross. He would – as He did – pray for those in need. He would – as He did – love His enemies. He would – as He did – speak of the Kingdom. He would – as He did – live a holy, sinless life.
So, wearing a simple little wrist band can become a life-changing experience. After a while, it feels like the words are inscribed in one's heart. No decision is made without imploring the Lord's will; no answer is given without first thinking: W.W.J.D. Slowly but surely, one submits more and more to His Divine Will. To follow in His footsteps, to wear His sandals so to speak, becomes not only possible but it becomes a true pleasure for body, mind, heart and soul. This is one way that we can come to know Him and keep His commandments, for we cannot say that we know Him and His ways without trying to imitate Him in His perfection. Otherwise, we are liars and hypocrites. God's love truly reaches its perfection in those who keep and live His word. (see 1John 2: 4-6)
I challenge you, dear reader, to try it out. Many young people wear these kinds of wrist bands; why not join them in being witnesses of this precious gift of faith? You are never too old to follow Christ more closely or to love Him more dearly. If you think that it is too foolish because of W.C.M.N.S. (What could my neighbour say?), then I would ask you to remember Holy Scripture. If it was good for Saint Paul to be a fool for Christ, then it is certainly good for all of us too!
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