If, Then
If this, then that. It is just the natural order of things. If one condition is a fact, then certain other facts should correspond based on their relationship to the truth already stated. This is the process and direction of logical thought.
I was thinking about how often we fail in our spiritual walk to follow the linear flow of conditions based on existing realities. This is the human struggle. We claim to believe certain things but what we say and do often disagrees with our claims. So I took it upon myself to examine some places in God’s word where the words “if then” are placed side by side. It seems important for us to consider the implications of these statements in order to make sure we are living consistent with the truth:
Malachi 1:6 – “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is My reverence? Says the Lord of hosts. To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’”
- God is clearly pointing out in this prophecy from Malachi that he should be honored by all humanity simply because of who he is. The Hebrew writer encourages us to be in subjection to the “Father of spirits” that we might live. So why is it that our heavenly Father is not respected?
Luke 11:36 – “If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.”
- Jesus is making a statement about the illumination of truth in our spiritual walk with God. If we have nothing blocking the light of God’s revealed will in our lives, we can become children of light.
Luke 12:28 – “If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?”
- Stop worrying about everything! Look around you and see the care and protection of God over the inhabitants of the earth. Remember that to him, each one of us is more important than the entire material universe. He is going to take care of us.
1 Corinthians 6:4 – “If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge?”
- The context of this verse involves Paul dealing with a problem in the church at Corinth. Brethren were taking each other to court! There is a message here though which is even more important than the issue at hand. Paul is saying that if we have to seek judgment over a matter, then we should choose the most trusted and respected source we know.
Colossians 3:1 – “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.”
- This is probably the plainest of all the “if then” statements in the Bible. If we are Christians, then we should desire heavenly things most. No more commentary is necessary.
Now let me present one more “if then” statement for your consideration. This is not a quote from a Bible verse, but just a thought from me to you…
“If Jesus where to return today, then _________________________?”
“and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” – Romans 8:17
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AUTHOR: Jeremiah Tatum
