Watch In His Steps

In His Steps is a 1964 film adaptation of the novel by the same name, written by Charles Monroe Sheldon. The story follows a group of individuals living in the small town of Raymond who are challenged to ask themselves the question, "What would Jesus do?" before making any decision or taking any action. The film begins with the introduction of the various characters, including Rev. Henry Maxwell (played by Russ Reed) who is the pastor of the First Congregational Church in Raymond, and Rachel Winslow (played by Cheryl Lee Morrison) who is a talented singer and member of the church choir. There is also Montague Silver (played by Harry Elders), a wealthy businessman who is known for his ruthless business practices and lack of concern for others. One day, a homeless man named Jack Manning (played by Bob Campbell) walks into the church during a Sunday service and interrupts Rev. Maxwell's sermon. He challenges the congregation to follow in Jesus' footsteps by caring for the less fortunate instead of turning a blind eye to their suffering. Inspired by Manning's words, Rev. Maxwell decides to start a movement within the church to create a "What would Jesus do?" pledge that members could sign as a commitment to live their lives according to Jesus' teachings. As the story unfolds, each character is faced with their own internal struggles and must determine how to live out their commitment to the pledge in their daily lives. Rachel must confront her own pride and selfishness as she grapples with the decision of whether or not to marry Montague Silver, who has offered to use his wealth to advance her singing career. Rev. Maxwell must navigate the tension between church tradition and the need for change, particularly in regards to reaching out to the marginalized and underprivileged members of their community. Meanwhile, Montague Silver himself is faced with a crisis of conscience as he realizes the impact of his business decisions on his employees and the wider community. In His Steps is a poignant exploration of the challenges of living out one's faith in the day-to-day. It is a timeless story that speaks to the struggles and questions that Christians of all generations face as they seek to follow Christ. The film is well-produced and features strong performances from its actors, particularly Russ Reed as Rev. Maxwell and Cheryl Lee Morrison as Rachel. The film's overall message is one of hope and redemption, reminding viewers that even the most broken among us can find healing and wholeness in the love and grace of God.