I recently had one of those situations – I was once again asked to do something for someone who has shown very little gratitude. I was asked to give to this person to whom I have given and given. And I happen to know that others have also given and given.

You do realize that there are people who are simply irresponsible by nature. They take and take and take, and … well, you get the picture.

Well, I sat at my desk and fretted and fumed. I really didn’t want to do what I was being asked to do. And then the thought crossed my mine. “What would Jesus do?”

You may not be aware, but that question comes from a book, “In His Steps,” that was written by a pastor, Charles Sheldon, in the late 1800s.

Pastor Sheldon reminded his readers that we ought to ask that question, “What would Jesus do?” before making any decision in life.

And so I sat at my desk that day and asked, “What would Jesus do?” I’m going to admit something to you. Please keep it to yourself. I would hate for this to get out. But I actually thought this to myself: “You know. Sometimes Jesus messes everything up.” And then I chuckled to myself.

Please don’t be offended by that last thought. It’s actually true. Jesus can mess up the things that you would normally say and do. He does not allow us to do the things that we would normally do.

He makes us change. If you take him seriously enough there will come a time when he will flat out mess up your plans. The truth is that obeying Jesus comes with a price.

But he told us that would be the case. “Whoever will be my disciples, let him take up his cross and follow me.”

That’s not easy. Never has been, never will be. Never was intended to be.

But it’s worth it. I encourage you to follow Jesus, even when it is costly. He will never ask more of you than he gave to you. And the rewards he offers are more than you can imagine.

What would Jesus do? He would love. He would serve. He would give. Let us do the same.