Minute Musings...In His Steps

"In His Steps" is a best selling book by Charles Monroe Sheldon.  It was first published in
1897, and having sold more than 30,000,000 copies, it is ranked as one of the best selling
books of all time.  It is one of my favorite books, which I've read countless times.

The plot is set in a small U.S. railroad town of Raymond.  The main character is Rev. Henry
Maxwell.  The Pastor challenges the members of his small congregation, not to do anything
for one whole year without first asking themselves this simple question, "What would Jesus
do?"  Lives are transformed by this simple challenge.  Eventually a revival sweeps through
this little church, and the effects are felt throughout the community and beyond, as folks let
the Spirit of God control their actions, decisions, motives, and speech.

Philippians 2:5  "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"

If you were to stop before every decision you make;  before every word you utter;  before
every action you take, and ask yourself this simple question, "What would Jesus Do,"  I
guarantee you that we would be different.  There would be things that we would be too
ashamed to say or do, because we would realize that Jesus would not react the way we
are prone too. 

We are admonished in the Scriptures to "Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus."  What kind of mind did our Lord Jesus have?  His mind was filled and
controlled by the Holy Spirit, it was totally committed to doing the Father's will, and it 
was completely filled with love and compassion for others. 

The challenge from this book has never left my mind since I first read it over 30 years ago.
Do I always succeed in having the mind of Christ in me...sadly no.  There are days when
the old nature has control and there are actions, thoughts and words that I'm forced to repent
of.  But that doesn't mean that I throw in the towel and give up!  Each new dawn is a fresh
start to be Spirit filled and controlled.  It's a fresh start to have a vibrant testimony before
others, a fresh start to please our Heavenly Father.  I extend the challenge to you today to
ask yourselves... "What would Jesus do."