I SAID: Thanks. But...what are we talking about?
That WWJD bracelet you're wearing.
Oh. Yeah. I've got five.
I know. You can match 'em with just about anything in your closet can't you?
Yeah. Cool, huh?
You've got a pretty good collection.
Yep.
Too bad it's not more.
Well I'll get a few more-eventually. After all they do cost.
No, I'm not talking about adding more bracelets to your collection. But you're right-there is a cost involved.
Uh oh. I've got a feeling we're not on the same page, are we, God?
Nope.
Look, I'm kind of in a hurry, Lord. So if You have something to say, could you just say it?
I already have.
Guess I didn't catch it.
Let's go through it again okay? Check out 1 John 2:4-5.
Uh. All right. Gimmie a sec.
It's under your bed.
What?
Your Bible.
How'd you know that's what I was look-
I'm God, remember? I know everything.
Oh, yeah. Okay here we go: "Someone may say, 'I am a Christian; I am on my way to heaven; I belong to Christ.' But if he doesn't do what Christ tells him to, he is a liar. But those who do what Christ tells them to will learn to love God more and more. That is the way to know whether or not you are a Christian." So...lay it on me, God. What are you saying?
I'm saying it sure would be nice if that WWJD bracelet you're wearing was more than a fashion statement. But if it were....it would cost.
Hey, wait a sec! I'm not just wearing this as a fad! I know what it stands for. I believe in it.
Believing in a phrase....and living the lifestyle are two different things.
I'm listening.
Well, to really live out the WWJD lifestyle may cost you some dates.
Guys?
And maybe some friends.
The girls?
And maybe your time.
My TV shows?
WWJD means asking yourself "What would Jesus do" before anything and everything you do.
Well, yeah...technically.
Excuse me?
I mean, yeah...we all know what the letters stand for. But...
But to take it seriously. I mean to actually ask ourselves that question...well, that would change everything -or at least a lot! Check out 1 John 2:6.
Okay. Got it right here. "Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did" Hmmm.
So what's it gonna be? A fashion statement or a lifestyle backed with commitment?
But, God, I'm not sure You really understand, If I truly asked what You do..well, You probably wouldn't go to the movie I'm gonna see this Friday with Brian.
Not that particular one; no.
And you probably wouldn't want me hanging out with Kari as much.
She shoplifts. And since you're not doing anything to confront her or trying to introduce her to Me, she's pulling you down, Yeah I'd like you to quit spending so much time with her.
God, If I start asking myself that question...
If you don't, and you continue to wear that bracelet you're a phony.
That's harsh don't You think?
Read my words again. The ones in 1 John 2:4. Read the last part of the verse.
"But if he doesn't do what Christ tells him to, he is a liar" Ouch.
Yes...ouch. I died for those words.
I know.
I also died to give you the power you need to put those words into practice.
I'm not that strong, God.
I know. I made you, remember? I realize you're weak. I know your temptations. But I can equip you with everything you need to become all you need to be.
You know what this means, don't you? There maybe be Friday nights I'm home alone.
No, not alone. I've promised to never leave you. I would love to spend this Friday night with you.
Is this for real?
So I shed my real blood.
But....Friday night...alone with GOD?
Oh, my child, the things I want to do in your life. The dreams I want to give you! The vision I want to create with you. I have so much in store for you, your mind couldn't comprehend it if I told you everything right now.
Wow. For me? That's kind of exciting!
For you. You're that special. I dream big dreams for you.
I'm pretty good at dreaming too, God.
Yes you are. But My dreams are even bigger then your Imagination! Check out Ephesians 3:20.
Okay, here it is: "Now glory be to GOD who by his mighty power at work within us in able to do far more than we would ever dare or even dream of beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes."
And what about Jeremiah 29:11?
Old Testament. Got it. "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope"
Wow.
My child, I love you way too much to let you slide. It hurts me to watch you settle for WWJD being mere piece of fabric wrapped around your wrist when it's meant to be much more.
I'm sorry, Father, I never really thought about it.
You see, I went through more torture than you can even fathom....just so you could live WWJD instead of simply wear it.
That is a lot to swallow.
And I did it because I love you,
But Father, I don't deserve love that great.
And you know what? If you had been the only person in the entire world, I still would have gone through the crucifixion just for you.
Jesus, will You forgive me? I'm so sorry. I never meant to take your death for granted. I don't want to be a phony. I want to be genuine and full of You. I want people to see a difference in my life. I'm sorry. I've taken you for granted. Jesus, fill me. Let me be putty in Your hands. Remake me in Your image.
Yes.
I need to hurry to my piano lesson right now Lord. And as soon as that's over, I have an important appointment.
Oh?
With my Bible and my Heavenly Father. We need to talk about my friends, my time, and my entertainment.
Guess what?
What?
That's exactly what Jesus would do!
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