IF

"If the shoe fits, wear it."

"What if?"

"If I only had a brain."

"If you're happy and you know it."
"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie."

These are all pretty common "If" statements.
 "IF" is a word most of us use all the time, but have you ever really stopped to think about what it means?  Webster says that IF means...

• in the event that
• allowing that
• on the assumption that
• on the condition that                                                                          

Do we realize the power and the punch that this little word holds?  

I know as a parent I used it A LOT. (Probably too much!)

• IF you clean your room you can go outside and play.
• IF you finish your dinner you can have dessert.
• IF you do your homework before supper you can watch TV.

You get the picture and in those situations it was probably used correctly and I had the authority to use it.

• On the condition that you clean your room you can go outside and play.
• assuming you finish your dinner you can have dessert.
• in the event that you do your homework before supper, you can watch TV.

BUT, I've found that word to be used in situations that I feel can be dangerous. My example is found in God's word, the book of Mark. In chapter 9 beginning in verse 14 the story is told of a man who brings his demon possessed son to the disciples to be healed. They can't heal him. Jesus comes along and asks what's going on? He hears the story and the father says to Jesus, IF you can heal my son, will you?  (OH MY!) Jesus replies; "IF I can heal him?"  (msp's paraphrase)

How often have I, have we, found ourselves using that word with God? How often have we used that word in our relationship with Jesus? How often do we use that word in our commitment to church? 

It seems we can be very good at making "IF" excuses:

• IF the event/program doesn't relate to me or my family, I'll just stay home.
• IF no one else signs up, I guess I'll do it.
• I'll sign up after I see IF I get a better offer.
• I'll come to church IF I get up on time. 
• IF only they sang the music I like.
• I'll go IF my friend is going. 
• IF you get me off this ride, I'll never get on it again! 
• IF you'd help do this... then I'll do that.

If the reason I was created was to glorify the Father, and I am guilty of making statements like this, then I need to stop and think - do these comments glorify Him?  Am I showing faith and trust when I make these statements?  

It sounds a bit like making deals with Jesus, like playing games.
Who am I to question God!?  Who am I to play games and bargain with the Creator of the Universe!? I might have had the authority to say IF to my children, but I most definitely do not have the right to say it to God, my Father!
  
Then I stop and think -
What IF God's love for me was based on "IF"? 

• I'll love you IF you read your Bible everyday.
• I'll provide for your every need IF you pray at least 30 minutes every day.
• I'll protect you and your family IF you go and tell at least five people about me. 
• I'll give you life everlasting IF you keep all 10 commandments.

God's love for me is unconditional, no Ands, IFs or buts! And for me to decide whether or not I'm going to do something that would glorify Him, based on IF my friend is going, or IF no one else says yes, or IF I get up on time; well I think I'd better re-examine my relationship with my Creator and my Savior.  

In John 14:15 Jesus says:  
"IF you love me, you'll keep my commandments."

• assuming you love ME...
• in the event that you love ME...

Father forgive me for doubting you. Forgive me for putting conditions on my love and service to You and Your church.  Amen.