The classic Christian novel In His Steps presents one of the most challenging questions a Christian can ask: What would Jesus do? Written by Charles M. Sheldon in 1896, the book follows a group of Christians in the fictional town of Raymond who are challenged to make every decision in their lives by first asking themselves what Jesus would do.
The challenge begins when a homeless man appears at the church of Reverend Henry Maxwell. The stranger questions the congregation’s Christianity, particularly its willingness to profess faith while remaining largely indifferent to the suffering and needs of others. Shortly afterward, he dies, leaving the congregation with an uncomfortable realization: their religion may be more about words than genuine discipleship.
Reverend Maxwell subsequently challenges his congregation to make a commitment. For one year, they will refuse to do anything without first considering what Jesus would do in their circumstances.
The consequences are far-reaching. A newspaper editor begins reconsidering the content of his publication. A wealthy businessman examines his priorities and possessions. A singer reevaluates the purpose of her talent. Others begin making difficult decisions concerning their careers, relationships, ambitions, and responsibilities. Their lives are disrupted because following Jesus requires more than religious admiration. It demands personal surrender.
THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST
The central spiritual lesson of the book is that Christianity is not simply believing certain things about Jesus; it is becoming like Jesus. We are called to reflect His character in our daily conduct.
Paul writes in Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” This is the foundation of Christian living. We must learn to think as Christ thought, love as Christ loved, and serve as Christ served.
THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS
One of the important lessons of Sheldon’s story is that following Jesus may require us to surrender things we have grown comfortable with. Our ambitions, entertainment, business practices, relationships, and personal preferences must all come under the authority of Christ.
Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Discipleship is not always convenient. Sometimes the right decision costs us something. Sometimes doing what Jesus would do means refusing something everybody else considers acceptable.
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST IN DAILY LIFE
Perhaps the greatest challenge of the book is that following Jesus must extend beyond Sunday worship. It must influence how we treat our families, speak to our neighbors, conduct our business, respond to our enemies, and regard those who are suffering.
Ephesians 5:1-2 instructs us to be imitators of God and walk in love, just as Christ loved us. The Christian life is intended to be a living demonstration of the character of Jesus.
The question is not merely what would Jesus do in some extraordinary circumstance. What would Jesus do when someone insults us? What would He do when we encounter someone in need? What would He do when honesty costs us money or forgiveness costs us pride?
The book In His Steps shows us that the greatest testimony of Christianity is a life that increasingly resembles its Savior.
We do not follow Jesus merely by wearing His name. We follow Him by allowing His example to shape our character. The goal is not simply to ask what Jesus would do, but to become the kind of people who naturally reflect His heart.
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Heavenly Father, help us to follow the example of Your Son in everything we do. Give us the humility to surrender our own desires, the courage to make difficult decisions, and the love to serve others as Jesus served us. May our thoughts, words, and actions reflect His character so that those around us may see Christ living in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
BDD
