Isn’t life full of “What if’s?” I think there are considerable “What if’s” from the past we can all think of IF we all attest to think back far enough. Some of us may have some regrets in life that IF we had done things differently, maybe things would have turned out better or at least differently for us or others we know.
We all have “What if” dreams for a better more prosperous future. For example, “if” I do things a different way this time, maybe I won’t make the same mistakes I’ve made in the past. IF I invest my savings through an investment agent this time, I might control the outcome of my earnings a little better. Maybe.
Or, what if this Christmas, I’m not going to spend the whole time in the shop doing my own thing. What IF I spend more time with my son and what he would like to do? Or maybe, What IF this year I’m going to teach my daughter how to cross-country ski?
I think about all the choices we have each day, how we make spontaneous decisions without really putting a lot of thought into something like what we might have for dinner tonight. Or, what IF we just go out for dinner instead? Choices, choices, choices. IF we think about it (there’s another “IF” again) we make many choices everyday in big and small things. Most of us are probably pretty good at making lots of good and some bad choices I would guess, that’s pretty normal.
With Christmas just around the corner, there are all sorts of examples of “ What if’s.” Buying gifts involve a lot of choices and What if’s. “What IF we skip the big gift, and buy a lot of smaller gifts? What IF instead of a new sweater for Uncle Mike again, how about a cool belt?”
What IF I hand write my Christmas cards instead of the same old boring News Letter everyone complains about, as in the past? Maybe keeping it simple does make more sense.
“What IF” we travel out of town for Christmas this year, or What IF we just stay home this Christmas instead of traveling like we usually do? It’s always so much to do to get ready, packing clothing, gifts and all, fitting in time for making all the reservations and just plain stuff that takes way too much of our time just to get ready to go.
By now, you can see how “IF” can literally change everything around us. Let’s talk about an entirely different “IF” situation.
Jesus used IF many times when teaching His disciples. When Jesus used the word “IF,” He usually used it in a way that meant the “IF” was a decision between a right and wrong choice.
One example was when he was talking to His disciples about how they expressed their love for Him. Jesus said, “IF you love me, you will obey my commands.” John 14:15. WOW, that is a powerful IF, to love Jesus by obeying His commands. Most of us probably couldn’t recite the ten commandments I’m guessing.
Another example of how powerful the word IF was taught, King David in the Old Testament said, “ IF you delight yourself also in the Lord, He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4. That’s a really powerful IF. Requires some positive action on our part for a positive reaction on the Lord’s part.
In Psalm 91, King David shared another of the most powerful verses ever, “ IF you make the LORD your refuge, IF you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you, no plague will come upon you. For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. The angels will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.” Verses 9-12. This is a wonderful comfort to know that God commands His angels to watch over us and protect us “IF” we make the LORD our refuge and our shelter.
“And I, IF I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32
Finally, Jesus said in John 13:35 “ By this all men will know that you are my disciple,
IF you love one another.” I think we can do this beloved, love one another, don’t you?
What IF we all loved one another, I mean really loved each other as Christ loves us? What IF we all wished success for everyone? What IF we actually loved our enemies and prayed for them as Jesus commands us to do in Matthew 5:44. We can do this.
Did you know “IF’s” just like what we are talking about here are found over 1,500 times in the bible from Genesis to Revelation? IF you want to, make that your lesson for the next few months. Try and read a few verses in the bible that mention the powerful “IF’s.” Enjoy.
Have a blessed and Merry Christmas.
Mark Conway is a Christian Evangelist living in Sterling with his wife Maryna. He may be reached through End Time Days.org website.
