Would Jesus Wear a WWJD Bracelet?
Would Jesus Wear A WWJD Bracelet?
Every morning when I take my dogs for a walk, I have a selection of hats from which to choose. One has emblazoned on the front “Jesus Is My Boss”. A friend mistakenly thought I was admiring it, and next thing I know he put down $20 and bought it for me. But, come time for the morning walk, I choose an Atlanta Braves hat, or even one advertising Penta Water. Excuse me, but I just feel uncomfortable wearing Jesus clothing.
I remember a strange friend at Seminary who had two stickers on the back of his car. On the left of the bumper was “Honk If You Love Jesus” and on the right was “Honk If You’re Horny”. At the time I didn’t laugh. And, I didn’t honk, either. I do remember one time honking in response to such a sticker on a car, and the driver proceeded to turn around and give me an obscene gesture. I guess the guy was driving some else’s car. I wonder, “Would Jesus honk?” At one church I ministered, the Youth Minister was extremely overweight, and he liked to wear a Christian tee shirt that proclaimed “God’s Gym”. It did not deter him from devouring Twinkies at an alarming rate. Since I am somewhat less than Mr. Universe myself, I thought of coming into the office one day wearing a tight tee shirt that said “This Is Not God’s Gym”. But, at that time, I was not near the smart aleck I can be now.
I’m not ashamed of Christ. I try to regularly tell others of Him, and even more I try to behave toward others in a way that would reflect well upon the Jesus I seek to serve. Our church has a sign out front with a cross displayed prominently, I carry business cards with scriptures inscribed, and I have no problem with these advertisements of faith. But, Christian clothing is just not my forte. We should be living examples for Christ, with love and lifestyle and words properly proclaiming our faith.
Well, it is time to take my dog for his evening walk. Let’s see….where’s that “Got Jesus?” dog collar my friend gave to Oreo?
09.20.05 (6:47 pm) [
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posted by:
CrimsonBlood (
reply)
post date:
09.20.05 (4:08 pm)
I wouldn't wear christan clothing either, but my father has the "Jesus is my pilot" bumper stickers and a whole bunch on his car and he leads people to think he leads a well lead christan life then he turns around and cusses like its his job. Downs me. Kicked me out of his house, acted as though I was his slave and I dont think that is very christan like. my mom is the same way though. they pray before they eat they cry during service and they are even the youth leaders and yet its still the same old lifestyle as before. im confused, thats why i wont go to into my religion i dont want to end up like my parents
posted by:
newbie (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (2:41 am)
Reply to CrimsonBlood: There is a DEFINITE difference in having a "religion" and having a relationship with Jesus. I pray someone shows you the difference and you come to have a relationship and not a "religion".
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (3:01 am)
My wife and I have a sincere relationship with Christ, but speaking for myself, I am far from perfect. If anyone watches me closely, it is myself. I exhibit inconsistencies throughout the day. My example does not measure up to the ideal. I guess you some would say I am a hypocrite. But, if they listen closely, they will find I never even pretend to be what I should be. Anyhow, I have a teenage daughter who closely monitors my every move, my every word, my every imperfection. Then, she tends to magnify these, at least in her own mind. And so I often become her excuse for her problems. I try to cut her some slack, for I can remember when I held my parents to the same impossible standard.
I do not know your situation, and so I will not dare to judge whether you are reading the matter correctly. But, I encourage you to give your folks some grace and allow them to be what we all are, strugglers.
Your disappointment rings loud and clear. But you also sound like an insightful and sharp person. I believe, one day, you and your folks wil be on quite good terms and there will be a good understanding between you.
posted by:
Fairmoon (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (4:23 am)
When i was growing up my mother would never buy us brand name clothing, one we couldn't afford it, and two she didn't think us kids should pay to advertise for these companies.
It's not exactly the same, i have no problem with people wearing crosses or other jewlery as a way of honouring their faith, but blantant overert displays such as t shirts and the like bother me.
Especially when, as you and crimson pointed out, the people doing the advertising aren't poster children.
although i did see a WWJD ladies thong adertised at a website once, i'll admit it was- Intriguing
:P
FM
posted by:
sweetsue (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (7:17 am)
I am not ashamed of my belief in Jesus..but wouldn't wear clothing or have bumper stickers..I do give little pamplets I pick up from a shop here called the salty fisherman..am not ashamed to give those..but I don't feel the need for the other stuff...Have A Good Day Pastor Dave!...good post too.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (7:18 am)
Great post Dave. I think if Jesus was going to wear instructive clothing, he might opt for "Think it through. Is it the right thing to do? Have you thought about the repercussions?"
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (7:19 am)
Reply to: Fairmoon
If you buy and wear that thong... um, send a pic or post it please... My life isn't THAT exciting...lol. Dave and I will have a long discussion about our rationalizing having it enlarged and framed...
posted by:
Fairmoon (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (9:29 am)
Reply to: surrogate
if i had bought it and if i had worn it you would NOT see any pics.
and no actually i found it if was a fake site anyway. sorry to crush your dreams.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (11:14 am)
Reply to: Fairmoon
I know a place that provides custom made clothing. Perhaps we could take up a collection...
posted by:
Fairmoon (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (11:29 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
haha
posted by:
DrForbush (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (1:50 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
You bring up some very important points about people who are not poster children advertising Jesus. But, I think it is insecurity that causes people to buy and wear this Jesus clothing. Deep inside these people don't feel Christian. Since they don't act Christian their feelings may actually be right. But in our society the solution is to buy something, instead of doing the work.
Its like the fat neighbors I have with all the excercise equipment in the garage. Or, the emotionally insecure attention seekers that pierce their bodies or get tattoos to get people to notice them. There isn't anything wrong with getting piercings or tattoos if its what you want for yourself, but to satisfy something thats missing in your life - thats wrong.
I could go on, but I think you get my point.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (5:10 pm)
Reply to: sweetsue
"Salty Fisherman" - now that's a good name for a shop! I have some little business card sized "tracts" that have intersting little statements on them, accompanied by colorful graphics. People seem to like them, and I give them out when the opportunities seem right.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (5:12 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
Jesus was referred to as "Rabbi" by some. I wonder if a Rabbi (teacher of the law) wore a distinct wardrobe? I'll have to research it.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (5:14 pm)
Reply to: DrForbush
Some of these folks have a deep desire to evangelize, and think their clothing communicates the message. I'm just not convinced it communicates the message in a healthy way.
posted by:
passionsoul (
reply)
post date:
09.21.05 (5:48 pm)
That is a very good question Pastor...here is a link that maybe you would like to read .....http://mrmom.amaonline.com/stories/whatdoeswwjdmean.htm
I wear a cross,read my bible,attend church,as for wearing t-shirts,etc.I don't think its neccessary..but if Jesus ever talked to me personality and asked it of me,then I would do it proudly,that is the least I could do for the saviour of my life and the barer of my sins.Very nice blog and post.I will be a regular visitor to your blog.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
09.22.05 (1:48 pm)
Reply to: Fairmoon
spoiled sport... hehehe
posted by:
Rand (
reply)
post date:
09.23.05 (8:15 am)
My faith in Christ is deep and personal. I don't advertise it.. but I hope my life and mannerisms model my faith. Buttt I have short comings... and continually try to improve.
Have a great day
posted by:
childish (
reply)
post date:
09.30.05 (7:22 am)
excellent post! i often wonder why people feel that wearing a jesus shirt will make them more spiritual.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.30.05 (11:34 am)
Reply to: passionsoul
Now I really like that link! It says quite well what I am trying to say in a more clumsy way. It's easy to wear a bracelet, but much more challenging to wear the lifestyle. Thanks. And, I hope you are a regular commentor to my blogs.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
08.05.06 (8:13 pm)
I'd forgotten this post, and having just reread it, I remember laughing when I read it the first time. It really is a good'un. But... (you knew there'd be a "but" didn't you?) you never addressed the question you ask in the title! I've though about this and I'm now convinced that jesus Would indeed not wear a WWJD bracelet as I think he'd see it as tacky speaking about himself in the third person, though Lord knows there are enough quotes in the scriptures pointing out that he did just that fairly often. This alone make me question the verasity of the translations as it strikes me as slightly classless and tacky. Therefore? -I blame the translators. "Jimmy's got game. Jimmy Loves to play "D."" (Referencing an Old Seinfeld script where Jimmy is talking about Jimmy....)
