What if? v24n30

What if?

V24 n30

It is always easy for one to look at things analytically, and wonder what would have happened, if they would have done things this way, or what if they had been done that way, in this world that grows more and more complicated (contrary to God) each and every day. Yet, God’s law and commandments are quite simple when one takes the time hear that which they read, and then apply that which they read and hear to their life or walk.

In all of our lives, it is always easy to second guess every day decisions or choices that one has made. What if we had done this, or what if we had done that, and always a bit of uncertainty with the choices or decisions one has made. The one area in which a person can be sure of their decision or choice, is in making Jesus Christ the Lord of their life, and then following His instruction manual for maintaining a true course on that strait and narrow path.

Most people have heard or read that which the apostle Paul scribed; “What if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” Most people will say that they believe God. Most will say, yes God’s Word is true. Yet, how often do they (or you) allow God and His Word to be the total source in their (your) life?

What if you do not believe, shall that make the message delivered by and through the Word of God, Christ, void of God’s purpose and plan? Again, most will answer properly, and say that God and His Word are true. They will agree that His Word is forever settled in heaven. Yet, how often when asked by God to do something, or to live a certain way, will they respond to God by questioning Him, and at times even asking, but God, what if?

People often look at the life of Jesus Christ, and see that that was fine for Him, but do not think that kind of life, and faith is possible (or necessary) for them. What if, Jesus of Nazareth had doubted the Father’s ability to provide for Him, when He had the multitudes sitting on the hillside, and they were hungry? How would you have responded in and to the situation? Maybe asking God, what if He would provide a bit more then what the eyes could see (the few loaves and fishes)? What if God, the town was a little closer? What if God, that there was a few more dollars in the purse? What if, some shall not believe, shall it make the Word of God without effect?

We all question God from time to time; or as Paul said, that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. It is a matter of the old man, the old nature that was trained in the customs of this present evil world, trying to re-take control in one’s life. Few give thought to the fact that Paul had been walking with the Lord for around twenty years when he stated that he was in a constant battle to keep under his body, and keep it in subjection to the Spirit of Christ. Yet, how many people think or assume that it should be easier for them, the further along they are in their walk with God?

The more that Jesus Christ expounded the deep truths of the Word of God, the more the people left and followed Him no more. They said it was hard sayings, who could do or accomplish these things? They complained that there was more persecution against them, for following Him; who needed that. What kind of excuses do you make, when you have become frustrated, for your failure to continue in the Word?

John 6:60-66, 60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? 62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. KJV

Isn’t this the way we act from time to time as well? What if, more people liked us for our beliefs? The Word tells us that all those that live Godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution. It also tells us that in the world that we will have tribulation, but that we should be of good cheer, a joyful countenance, for Christ Jesus has overcome the world. Unless His Word is our delight, we will perish in the afflictions we have created, because we ignored the counsel of His Word.

What if more people liked us for the way we have decided to live? Yet, one often forgets that it was the religious people that mounted the hate campaign against the Lord. It was these same religious people that claimed that He had a devil. Yet, in spite of all of their opposition, He never asked what if, but rather always heard and obeyed the Father, all that which the Father asked of Him.

If a person allows the flesh to analyze the situation, then they will follow the leading of what others are saying and doing, and thus turn away from God’s purpose and plan of reconciliation.

[This is a hard saying; who can hear it?] Who can digest such doctrine as this? It is intolerable: it is impracticable. There is a similar saying in Euripides, Tell me whether thou wouldst that I should speak unto thee, a SOFT LIE, or the HARSH TRUTH? The wicked word of a lying world is in general better received than the holy word of the God of truth! (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

What if God loved us, as we love Him? Is God always at the forefront of your mind and your thoughts?

Romans 12:2 Stop living in accordance with the customs of this world, but by the new ideals that mold your minds continue to transform yourselves, so as to find and follow God's will; that is, what is good, well-pleasing to Him, and perfect. (Williams NT)

It is not enough to say that we love Him. One must be a doer of the Word, and not a forgetful hearer. Do you return God’s love by the same measure that He poured His love out to you?

Matthew 7:1, 1. "Stop criticizing others, so that you may not be criticized yourselves. 2. For exactly as you criticize others, you will be criticized, and in accordance with the measure that you give to others, it will be measured back to you. 3. Why do you keep watching the tiny speck in your brother's eye, but pay no attention to the girder in your own? 4. How can you say to your brother, `Let me get that tiny speck out of your eye,' while all the time there is a girder in your own? 5. You hypocrite, first get the girder out of your own eye, and then you can see well enough to get the tiny speck out of your brother's eye. (Williams NT)

All too often, one is more concerned with what is going on in the lives of others, rather then being concerned with their own relationship with God. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. It is only as we allow His love to operate within our lives, that one will want to return His love with the same measure in which He gave it to us. God has already proved His love for us, because while we were yet sinners, Christ Jesus died for the ungodly (you and me).

Romans 8: 8. The people who live on the plane of the lower nature cannot please God. 9. But you are not living on the plane of the lower nature, but on the spiritual plane, if the Spirit of God has His home within you. Unless a man has the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10. But if Christ lives in you, although your bodies must die because of sin, your spirits are now enjoying life because of right standing with God. 11. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead has His home within you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give your mortal bodies life through His Spirit that has His home within you. 12. So, brothers, we are under obligations, but not to our lower nature to live by the standard set by it; 13. for if you live by such a standard, you are going to die, but if by the Spirit you put a stop to the doings of your lower nature, you will live. (Williams NT).

What if today, you make the decision to live totally for Him?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka