I read the book and tried to follow the reasoning in my personal life. For instance, when trying to decide between two Ralph Lauren polo shirts-- one a celedon green and one a melon -- I stopped to consider what Jesus would do, and then bought the melon-colored shirt. But when I got home and put it on I looked SO washed out. Jesus had a swarthy Mediterranean complexion, which was complemented by shades in the orange family. I, however, am of Norse descent and the melon looked horrible on me. Even though it doesn't really cover it in the book, I'm convinced that you have to think, WWJWFM? or "What Would Jesus Want For Me." But I guess that's too much for a bracelet or a bumpersticker. Thanks, anyway.

Though surely Mrs. Dawkin-Stroope's review was tongue-in-cheek, it demonstrates well the difficulties of fad and trinket theology. God is incomprehensible, and the faith He instills resonates with infinite awe, ever resisting reduction to the common denominator of the day. However happy and wholesome the outcome of living by WWJD, God's purpose for the elect is far more profound. Jesus came, lived, died and rose again to display the glory of His Father, and His purpose for our lives is the same. This goes far beyond memorizing or mimicking His behavior, for such efforts in and of themselves are destined to fall short, to lack the glory of God.

But if doing what Jesus did doesn't necessarily display God's glory, then what does? How do we live in such a way that the beauty of His Being is reflected in all we are and do? Jesus gives us some insight in one of his discussions with the disciples. He explains to them that through His unique relationship to them as Teacher, they would gain something greater than instruction, for not only would they act like Him, but would actually become like Him. In other words, to sit at His feet would mean to undergo a transformation so intense as to conform them to His image from the very core of their being. This is the legacy He left for every true disciple.

How does this happen? The prophet Isaiah notes, He your Teacher will no longer hide himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left (Isaiah 30:20-21). Truly there is a mystery here and a wonder. Once He was hidden from our darkened hearts, but now our Teacher comes by His Spirit and our eyes behold His beauty. He speaks, and our ears are opened to the voice of heaven, while His very Being is branded upon our souls. Everything else flows from this.

Paul said it is in the act of beholding that we are transformed -- from one unimaginable glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). Mike Bickle, well-known pastor and author, has delightfully dubbed this process transformation by fascination. In absolute awe that we have been given the privileged place of student of the Most High, we are intrigued by every word from His mouth and crave an eternal apprenticeship. We no longer check in with a utilitarian mandate to get a plan for the moment, for our chief joy is in seeing our Teacher through the eyes of our heart, knowing we've found at last the secret of living as He lived.

In all fairness, the WWJD fad produced some good results. It may have served a little like the law, a tutor reminding people of their desperate need for transforming power to live the Christian life. But the time for a tutor has passed. Jesus the Teacher has come, granting grace to be changed from the inside out that we might shine forth with the glory of His greatness. Let us sit joyfully at His feet.

Respond

The position of Teacher or Rabbi to the Jews was one of great respect, implying honor and authority. The highest compliment a student could give his teacher was to sit under him in order to become like him in every way. Do you honor Christ by sitting as a student at His feet? Why do you think this glorifies Him more than simply trying to do the things He did?

We are given the unique privilege of living life under the tutelage of Jesus Himself. We wait for Him, we behold Him (gaze upon Him), we hear His voice and learn His ways that we might do His will. Have you discovered the joy of this in your own experience? In what ways might you be serving a lesser call, grasping or settling for changes in external behavior?

Ponder the wonder of this amazing reality that Jesus has personally chosen you for His student, given you a place of direct instruction every day and throughout the day. Write a prayer of response

A Prayer

Teacher, I come to You like an excited child on the first day of school. I am wide eyed -- so much to learn, so much to glean, so much to take in. I look to You in awe that You have chosen me to be Your student, to transform me into a bright reflection of Your beauty in this battered world. And yet Lord, I am so easily distracted. In the hustle and bustle of this life, I forget there is a Voice to be heard, a Face to behold, and a Way to discover. I confess O Teacher that I may need more than a whisper in my ear. Capture my attention– pierce my preoccupations with the light of Your love. Mesmerize me with the sound of your voice. Tutor, mentor, guide and instruct me, for I yearn to be changed, Jesus, blessed Teacher.

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Copyright © 2004 Tricia McCary Rhodes