Choosing the Way: Finding Power in the Jesus Way

There are times when the weight of the world, or even the weight of our own struggles, feels almost unbearable. We face moments where the natural inclination is to defend, to fight back, or to simply retreat into ourselves. We feel the pressure of the mission field, the weight of a challenging home visit, or the sheer exhaustion of trying to keep the commandments perfectly every single day.

But what if the greatest power we possess isn't found in our own strength, or in our ability to argue our way through a difficult doctrine? What if the greatest power is found in choosing a different path entirely?

I was recently listening to Phil Wickham’s rendition of “The Jesus Way,” and it hit me with the force of a Spirit whisper—a whisper that reminds us that discipleship isn't about perfection; it's about *choice*. It's about choosing to follow Him, no matter the cost or the apparent difficulty of the moment.

The Power of Choice

The lyrics repeat lines like, “If you curse me then I will bless you,” and “If you hate me then I will love you.” As returned missionaries, we learn that the gospel isn't always easy to explain. We might encounter skepticism, outright opposition, or simply indifference. It’s tempting to meet that resistance with the same force. But the Savior’s example teaches us something radical: that the highest form of power is radical, unconditional love.

This isn't passivity; it’s profound, active discipleship. It requires us to model the Atonement in our daily lives. When we choose the Jesus Way, we are choosing to model forgiveness when it feels undeserved, and we are choosing to defend the vulnerable when it’s easier to remain silent.

Living It Out as a Disciple

For those of us who are actively in mission prep, or who are currently serving, this song is a constant reminder. It’s a blueprint for our missionary discussions. We aren't just learning doctrines; we are learning *how* to live them. We are learning to be Christlike in the small moments—the patience in the waiting room, the grace when a companion disagrees, the humility when we feel we know the answer.

Remember that core tenet of our movement: every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. This song is the soundtrack to that principle. Whether you’re studying in a Book Club through HolyPlaces, or just having a quiet moment wrestling with scripture in your own living room, you have the choice to choose the Jesus Way.

It calls us to surrender. “I choose surrender, I choose to love… I choose forgiveness, I choose grace.” These aren't just pretty words; they are covenants we renew every morning. They are the foundation upon which we build our testimonies and the foundation upon which we help others build theirs.

A Bite-Sized Skill for This Week

As you ponder this choice this week, I want to give you a small skill to practice. Think of one person this week—maybe a neighbor, a family member, or even a challenging acquaintance—with whom you tend to have friction. Instead of reacting to their perceived slight or frustration, pause. Take a deep breath, and consciously choose to respond with the Spirit-prompted empathy that mirrors Christ’s willingness to embrace even those who might ‘strike’ or ‘chain’ Him. That small, deliberate choice is a powerful testimony builder.

If you want to dig deeper into the scriptures that support this principle, check out the recent insights shared in the Social Scripture Study layer inside LivingBook. It’s a wonderful place to see how others are wrestling with grace!

We are all on this journey together. Let’s keep choosing that way. Let’s keep following Him.

If this message resonated with you, I invite you to join our next gathering. We'll be discussing the Book of Mormon and the nature of divine love. Details are posted in the main Rogue Disciples chat channel!