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If ....A powerful two letter word Of all the letters made into words, the two letters spelled, if, may be the most powerful and often used word of them all. It is a word that suggests mystery and challenging the unknown. It is a word that comes forth when you second guess a decision. Life is full of decision making. It is a life consisting of making choices, some right and some wrong. With each choice comes the possible thought, if I had chosen the other what would have been the consequence? What if I had not gone to that party? What if I had not worn that dress? What if I had ordered a salad instead of the soup? They may be minor decisions to be sure, but the thought is punctuated with, if. If only I could look into the future and then make my decision. Life would be easier. On a more serious note, what would my life be if I had chosen a different line of work, or moved to a different city, or, heaven forbid, if I had married someone else? Those are big ifs, and the answer may never be known. Then there is the comment, "If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself." Blessed is the person whose decision is accepted, and no ifs are needed. Often, as we look back in our life, we will comment to the effect, if we had raised our children with knowledge and wisdom and spent more time with them, they would be better adjusted today, smarter and healthier. Again, if we had listened to our parents, we would not have gotten into the messes as often as we did. God, through his word, is big on using the if. In the gospel of John, Jesus is quoted as saying, "If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true." He, also, says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." "If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." We often ask the questions, "Does God hear me?", "Why are not my prayers answered?" Can you do what God asks point blank without questioning him or must you ask what would happen if I don’t? Whenever you challenge God in your decision making, you will lose. In chapter 15 of the Gospel of John, (KJV) there are at least seven verses that begin with, if. God is making a statement. Accept his statement or face the consequence. Many are facing the consequence of not abiding by his Word, and are suffering as the result. Yet God’s word is simple as he speaks through his son, Jesus. Decision making would be a piece of cake if we would accept his word at a face value and move on. Having choices is not always a good thing. Too often we lack the knowledge and courage to make the right choice the first time. At this point of time, it is wise to have others make the choice for us, or at least seek their counsel. "If the world hate you, you know that it hated me before it hated you." God is warning us. Do not let the fear of hate from those who are in the world torment you. It comes with the territory. Expect it. You cannot serve God and mammon. Make your choice. If your choice is against the word of God, know that you will pay a price for it. There are no ifs and buts. "If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you." Is there any doubt that Christians in this day and age are heavily persecuted? One dare not persecute a non Christian.. However, Christians are open game. One of the best known if verses of the Bible is, "If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from them, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2Ch 7:14 KJV Now, if each, as individuals and as nation, will do this all will go well. If is a small word with powerful implications.
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