Now What Would Jesus Do?

The saying has been around for some time now. It comes in the form of a short but sobering question. It asks simply, “What would Jesus do”?

Former model Kathy Ireland recently has written an article on the subject that appeared in Christian Living entitled, "Christians in the Age of Social Networking." Ireland’s piece had to do with the use of modern communications resources like Youtube, Facebook, and Myspace for online evangelism.

In the article she states, "As Christians, we can use these wonderful new tools to spread the Gospel beyond the reach of our own church doors. We are able today to go directly where needs are found. We have the opportunity without leaving our homes to tell the world about Jesus Christ," Kathy Ireland is right on the money about that. The advent of a newly wired world has made it so the command, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), can be on the resume of any garden variety Christian with a modern PC and a heart for the lost!

There is no doubt that today’s widespread forms of instantaneous communications allow for nearly endless possibilities – both for good and, sometimes, the not so good. And perhaps the single greatest use of any technology on the good side of the ledger would be to use it for the teaching of God's Word and spreading of the message of redemption in Jesus Christ. And only eternity will reveal the overall impact made for the Kingdom through these ever-evolving online efforts. But at the same time Facebook should be no substitute for face to face contact.

Some misguided Christians feel that their physical gathering together with others of like faith is of little consequence. Some believe that they are spiritually strong enough to forego attending the services in a house of worship. Others may admit that their physical absence may have some negative effects – but only upon themselves. It is their choice as long as others are not negatively impacted. The term “Myspace” seems a good description of their general view on their relationship to others in, or even outside, the body. Both opinions are dead wrong! It has been said that no man is an island – and that is of far greater consequence when dealing with all issues eternal!

The writer of the book of Hebrews warned about the tendency for those in God’s family to be casual about coming together up close and personal. In Hebrews 10:24-25 he wrote, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” An examination of the passage shows that the reason for the churches coming together is for spiritual instruction and service preparation.

Then Ephesians 4:11-13 contributes to the issue, adding this, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Absence may make the heart grow fonder, but regular absence from a live church setting weakens the spiritual heart and hinders meaningful Christian service and the effective overall use of one’s God-given gifts.

But equally important is that maintaining a regular distance from other believers in the corporate setting has far-reaching effects that go beyond any negative personal level. The passage in Ephesians described the duty of every Christian to “edify the body”. And then Hebrews shows the extreme importance of personally bolstering our brothers and sisters in the Lord. The writer spoke there how each believer is responsible to stir up love and good works while exhorting, or inspiring their faith family – all things somewhat less effective online – not to mention flat-out impossible when missing in action.

It is a great day of evangelistic opportunity for the church of Jesus Christ. Modern online capabilities can, and should, be a wonderfully effective and fruitful part of the mix. But those with the ability and resources to use such stunning technology must also use caution. They must resist the temptation to replace both God’s blessings and His commands to cultivate ‘face to face’ contacts with those in the church or fully substitute the modern methods of a Facebook style of Christianity to share His great plan of redemption with those still outside it.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Bill Breckenridge