We encourage students to do what Jesus would do. Good idea, and not a bad exercise for adults either. For example . . .

A friend told us about a lose-lose situation at his church.

An older church that’s no longer thriving, they own tons of property from their glory days. So much property the daycare next door uses the grassy area behind the church for employee parking. For free. They’ve been parking there for years.

However . . .

The church is running an annual budget deficit of $20,000. While brainstorming solutions, someone suggested charging the daycare for parking on church property. A unanimous vote followed and they informed the daycare of the new plan.

The daycare director went ballistic. An outrage! Not going to pay! Calling in the press to give the church a bad name! How dare they!

Now the church has a mess on its hands. Should they erect a fence or start towing cars? Back off and let a loudmouth intimidate them into submission? Send monthly invoices and see what happens? Donate the property to the daycare?

Whether or not charging for parking was a smooth move in the first place, it comes to this: the church represents God’s reputation and now there’s a mess to clean up.

How do you think Jesus would resolve such a situation?