We're all familiar with the popular phrase "WWJD" – What Would Jesus Do? It's been printed on bracelets, bookmarks, and posters for decades, serving as a gentle reminder to align our actions with Christ's example. But what if we're starting in the wrong place? What if, before asking what Jesus would do, we need to ask a more fundamental question: What does Jesus think about that?

## The Question That Changes Everythin

This isn't just a clever twist on a familiar acronym. It's a penetrating question that reaches into every corner of our lives. What does Jesus think about your thoughts? What does He think about your words? What does He think about your actions?

The reality is sobering: He knows. He knows every thought that crosses your mind, every imagination of your heart, every word that leaves your lips, and every action you take. Nothing is hidden from His sight.

## The Power of Our Words

There's an old saying that words are sharper than a sword, and it's absolutely true. Our words have incredible power – they can destroy or they can build up. They can wound deeply or heal completely. And here's the challenging part: once words leave our mouths, we can't take them back. We can't reach out into the air, grab them, and shove them back in.

How many of us have wished we could do exactly that? How many times have we said something in anger, frustration, or thoughtlessness that we immediately regretted? Those words enter the ears and minds of others, and we cannot extract them.

The question becomes: What does Jesus think about the words you use and how you use them?

## When Actions Speak Louder

If our words are powerful, our actions speak even louder. God Himself addressed this through the prophets to Israel: "You proclaim me and your love for me with your words, but your heart is far from me." Their actions didn't match their profession.

The world has a word for this disconnect: hypocrisy. And even those who don't know God can spot it from a mile away. When what we profess doesn't align with how we live, our witness crumbles. The untrained eye can still see when something doesn't add up.

## The Biblical Foundation

Romans 8:8 states plainly: "Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." The surrounding verses explain that those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on fleshly things, while those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on spiritual things.

Here's a challenging thought experiment: If someone could analyze your thoughts throughout an entire week, minute by minute, what would they find? How much of your mental energy is devoted to material concerns versus spiritual matters?

We live in an aggressively materialistic world. Every moment of every day, we're bombarded with advertisements for new phones, cars, homes, and loans. The pressure to think materialistically is relentless. Yet Scripture tells us that the mindset of the flesh leads to death, while the mindset of the Spirit leads to life and peace.

That's the keyword: peace. Material wealth cannot bring peace. Those who win lotteries don't find peace – they find constant turmoil as everyone suddenly wants a piece of their fortune. But the mindset of the Spirit brings a peace that the world cannot understand or take away.

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## The Reality for Unbelievers

Here's a hard truth: there is nothing an unsaved person can do to please God. No good works, no religious observances, no sacrificial services can accomplish it. The characteristic of unbelievers, biblically speaking, is that they're fleshly, carnal, worldly, sensual, and self-centered rather than God-centered.

First, we must take the guilty sinner's place and receive Christ by a definite act of faith. That's what brings a smile to God's face.

## Testing Everything

Ephesians 5 instructs us: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light... testing what is pleasing to the Lord."

We should be putting every thought, every word, and every action to the test. Does it please the Lord? How does everything we think, say, or do appear in His presence?

Many of us would act completely differently if we could physically see Jesus standing next to us. But here's the truth: He is there. God is spirit, and we must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Just because we can't see Him with our physical eyes doesn't mean He's absent.

## The Searchlight of Pleasing God

Every area of our life comes under this searchlight: Does it please God, or doesn't it? There's no middle ground, no "maybe." It either pleases Him or it doesn't.

This applies to:

- Every conversation

- Your standard of living

- The clothes you wear

- How you conduct your business

- Your entertainment choices

- Your friendships

- Your vacations and purchases

One particularly challenging area is our finances. When we say we can't afford to tithe or give offerings, we're often lying to ourselves and to God. The truth is, most of us in the Western world live at a standard that exceeds 78% of the world's population. The question isn't whether we can afford it, but whether we've prioritized it.

## Love Demonstrated, Not Just Declared

Too much focus today is given to how much God loves us. Yes, we know He loves us – He gave His only Son as our sacrifice. There's no question about His love.

But the real question is: How do we demonstrate our love for God?

Think about human relationships. How would your relationship with your spouse or significant other fare if you only told them you loved them without ever demonstrating it through actions? Words without corresponding actions ring hollow.

As Christians, we can't just offer God lip service while our actions say otherwise. He's our Heavenly Father, and like any good father, He has expectations. He wants His children to honor what He honors and embrace what He embraces.

## Speaking to Please God, Not People

First Thessalonians 2:4 reminds us: "We speak not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts."

This is the struggle of every faithful minister and every sincere believer. Are we trying to please people or God? When we lose focus on this question, trouble follows.

The good news from 1 Thessalonians 4:1 is encouraging: "As you have received instruction from us on how you should live and please God – as you are doing – do it even more."

If you're already doing things that please God, that's wonderful! But don't stop there. Do even more. Don't leave anything on the table. Don't go before God with a cup still running over with unused gifts, untapped potential, and unexpended strength.

## Make It Your Pleasure

Knowing that our obedience has the ability to bring happiness to the God of the galaxies should be incredibly motivating. And knowing that our disobedience brings Him grief and sorrow should keep us from treating sin lightly.

So here's the daily challenge: Before your thoughts run wild, before your words come out, and before you take action, ask yourself, "What does Jesus think about that?"

Answer that question honestly, and let it guide your daily life. Make it your pleasure to please Him in all things. That's the lifestyle that brings glory to God and peace to your soul.