Faith and service are the basis of the novel. When Reverend Maxwell asks his congregation to live for a year asking, "What would Jesus do?" before making decisions, he's asking them to live by faith. Rather than navigating their lives with earthly desires and concerns at the forefront, they will choose to make Christ their guide. This guides many people to acts of service. For example:

• Alexander Powers helps expose corruption at the railroad company.
• Virginia Page donates money to help create a Christian paper and also a home for poor women.
• Rollin Page decides to help directionless young men find a purpose.
• Edward Norman reorganizes his newspaper to serve the Christian community.
• Reverend Bruce and Bishop Hampton open the Settlement House in Chicago, where poor people can receive food and job training.

Often, acts of service require people to give something of themselves. They're rewarded with happier and more meaningful lives. Rollin marries Rachel, his love, because he has devoted his life to a cause rather than living for his own indolent pleasure. Edward receives money from Virginia to replace what he's lost and recreate his newspaper to better reflect his Christian values. Each character that accepts the pledge and lives a more Christian life is rewarded with satisfaction and happiness. They do sacrifice their own pleasures but find that there is greater happiness in serving the Lord and their fellow man.

Personal choice is also emphasized in the novel. The clearest case is the character of Jasper Chase, a novelist. He chooses not to follow Reverend Maxwell's challenge. Doing as Jesus would do would require him to not publish his entertaining novels. He continues to write and publish them. As a result, he—unlike other characters—has an unhappy life at the end of the book. Sheldon clearly pushes the idea that to be happy and satisfied, one must lead a Christ-centered life.