Devotionals

Is Folling Jesus Do's and Don'ts?

by Robert [Bob] Schaetzle Sr. 
11/26/25
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Is Following Jesus Do’s and Don’ts?
By Robert Schaetzle

That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
Philippians 3:10 ESV

Pastor Chares Sheldon of the Central Congregational church in Topeka Kansas, did something few would ever do. He spent the week wandering the streets in a tattered coat offering not much warmth against the very cold winter winds. Wearing thin soled shoes walked the streets seeking work.

He recognized several from his church membership, but they did not recognize who he was. For almost a week he went through the streets seeking employment, when he finally found a job for fifty cents a day shoveling coal. Out of his experience he wrote a book which ended up to be one of history’s best-selling novels. ‘In His Steps’ published in 1896. From this book came the question; ‘What would Jesus do?’     

 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 2 Peter 2:21

Sharing this, I don’t believe at age 86 I’ll attempt to step out on any cold winter night to walk the streets where I live. Nor is this invitation to challenge my readers. But only to recognize… ‘Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’  

My Christian faith assigned me, is much more than ‘do’s and don’ts.’ I choose my decisions about what I witness, asking God’s Spirit lead me for discernment, when I see someone holding out a sign for money or wanting a job.

Today most folks, myself included, don’t carry much cash, with our debit/credit economy.  But I do recall when I invited someone to a KFC to purchase him a meal.

 Father, because I am yours by your choosing, I dare not ask; ‘Should I or Shouldn’t I?’ But listen to Your voice. Thank you for my sharing your resources to another in need, amen

Robert serves in a Sharing and Caring Ministry to encourage and strengthen God’s presence in us