The phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” has been printed on bracelets, shirts, and bumper stickers. It may feel like a simple slogan, but it is rooted in one of the deepest questions a follower of Christ can ask. In every choice, every response, and every challenge, we are called to pause and consider: What would Jesus do?

The saying became popular in the 1990s, but it actually dates back to a book written in 1896 called In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. In the story, a pastor challenges his church to ask this question before every decision. The result is a community that begins to live with radical faith, love, and service. The idea stuck because it is biblical.

In 1 John 2:6, Scripture puts it plainly: “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” To follow Christ means more than believing in Him. It means imitating Him. The Christian life is not just about asking Jesus to bless our plans. It is about shaping our plans, our words, and our actions to look more like His.

So what would Jesus do? He would show compassion to the outcast. He would forgive those who hurt Him. He would speak truth even when it was unpopular. He would spend time in prayer before making big decisions. He would live with humility instead of pride. He would serve rather than seek to be served.

The challenge is that what Jesus would do is not always what we feel like doing. When someone insults us, our first instinct is to strike back. Jesus would forgive. When life gets busy, our tendency is to skip prayer. Jesus would withdraw to a quiet place with His Father. When others demand attention, we want to look important. Jesus would kneel and wash their feet.

Asking this question reshapes ordinary moments. In traffic. At work. With family. Online. What would Jesus do here? How would He respond to this person? How would He handle this pressure? It pulls our focus away from self and puts it on Christ.

This does not mean we will always get it right. But it does mean we will become more like Him step by step. The more we ask the question, the more our hearts and actions align with His. And when people see us living differently, they get a glimpse of Jesus through us.

So today, carry this question with you. When you face a choice, pause before you act. When you are tempted to respond in anger or pride, stop and ask. When you are unsure how to handle a situation, whisper the words to yourself: What would Jesus do?

Because following Him is not just about knowing His words. It is about living His way.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

In Jesus name, Amen

“God’s Got My Back” by Forest Frank

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Zach and the Daily Devotion team