When I face a difficult decision, I remember the question that I have been taught to ask, "What would Jesus do in the given circumstance?" If I consider the principles laid down in God's word and the examples given in the gospel accounts, I should be able to see clearly the path to take. But another useful question is, "What would Jesus have done in His life if He were like me?"

How much would the well-known gospel accounts change if Jesus had lived His life as I live mine? When I take the name "Christian," I claim to be a follower of Jesus, one who lives according to His example and teaching. This is a serious claim! What does my life say about the life of Jesus?

I consider my knowledge of God's word. How well would Jesus know the scriptures if He were like me? In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus fended off every temptation of the devil with scripture. The young Jesus impressed the lawyers with His understanding of the scriptures (Luke 2:46-47). And who could forget the quotation from Psalm 22 that Jesus made as He hung on the cross: "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). Would He have had only vague recollections of what the Bible taught?

I consider my ability to point out error. Jesus offered God's word to man as "the bread of life" and encouraged everyone to eat of it (John 6:32-51). Sometimes He went out of His way to correct errors that were hidden in the hearts of His friends and foes. Because He knew their thoughts, Jesus corrected the error of His disciples about what constitutes greatness in the kingdom of heaven (Luke 9:46-48). Jesus taught His enemies more about Himself (Matthew 9:1-8). After perceiving their thoughts, Jesus rebuked their hearts. Would people have been corrected if Jesus were like me? Would the lost be taught the path they should follow? Would the saved be exhorted to continue in God's word?

When you face decisions, ask yourself what Jesus would do in your place. But you also need to ask what Jesus would have done if He were like you.

- The Gospel Teacher, 4/17/11