You have had a long, tiring day at school and the moment you return home, your little brother yanks your arm as he gabs about the latest video game he just downloaded. What do you do? Your teacher just gave back your most recent test and you failed. You feel upset and angry that you procrastinated. Your best friend approaches you and lashes out at you for upsetting her earlier. What do you do? In these instances when your heart churns with anger and you want to retaliate, do you stop and think to yourself, what would Jesus do? As cliché as it may sound, do you hold back your momentary rage and reflect on Jesus’ reactions to negative situations and encounters He had?
One reason you may be neglecting to act like Jesus in tough situations is because you honestly do not know how Jesus would have reacted. If this is the case, I encourage you to immerse yourself in His Word. Not just for one day or a single quiet time, but set up a time each day to simply be alone with Jesus and the Word. Utilize your quiet time to dig into the message Jesus gave us. Choose a book of the Bible and begin reading. If you have no clue where to start, search for a Bible study or devotional to help you. Since summer has begun and school is out, hopefully you have more time to invest in reading the Bible. I’d encourage you to find the time.
Reading the Word is only the first step to kickstart the process of changing your behavior in unwanted situations. Even if you read the entire Bible and memorize it word for word, if you fail to apply it to your life, it will not benefit you. Let the words you read sink into your mind before you blow a fuse and do something you will regret later.
We can choose to behave like Jesus when we take the time to take a step out of ourselves and try to imagine what He would do. Take to heart the words of 1 Peter 2:21 which says, “For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps.” This verse reminds us of our duty to follow the path of life that Jesus walked. Do you think Jesus walked around angry when things did not turn out the way He wanted them to? Choose today who you will serve, your selfish desires or the Lord.
Sophia Kalinke is a homeschooled junior who is actively involved in church and youth group. She loves dancing, reading, writing, drawing, theatre, hanging out with family and friends, and ministering to God’s world. Writing is one of her favorite creative outlets and she seeks to encourage others through her shared Instagram account: @beautifullybelovedministries.
