God’s IF/THEN Chart
When our kids were little we had an “IF/THEN” chart from Doorposts Publications. This chart hung on the wall in our parent/child conference room-- our bathroom. The chart had a list of “if” you do this wrong action “then” this will be your consequence. (The parent filled out the consequence for each infraction before hanging up the poster.) I loved it! No need to remember what you did the last time an infraction occurred and no doing one thing for one child and then doing something else for another if it was the same offense. There is also a “Blessings Chart” to go along with the “IF/THEN” so that positive, correct behaviors and attitudes are reinforced and rewarded at the same time the negative is discouraged and trained out.
Well, God has an “IF/THEN” and a Blessings Chart too. Did you know that? Absolutely!! In the Old Testament we read many times: “If you do this _____________ (obedient action) then I will ____________ (blessing) but if you do this _________________ (sinful choice) then I will _____________ (consequence).”
One example of this is found in I Kings 9:4-9. In this passage, God is talking to Solomon. (Please don’t take my word for it; go read the account for yourself.) God says, “If thou wilt walk before me...then I will establish…but if ye shall at all turn from following me then will I cut off Israel…” God is very clear about His expectations to Solomon and the blessings or consequences. The choice is Solomon’s.
Our society today breed’s the desire for blessings without responsibility and actions without consequences. However, as God’s children we cannot fall into this mindset. God doesn’t change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He wants to bless us, but blessings come with responsibilities fulfilled. He still has an IF/THEN for us as well.
If we want to be more Christlike then we have to renew our mind. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2). We do that by studying and meditating on the Word of God. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:11) & Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
If we want to be firmly planted and grounded in our faith we must delight ourselves in the Word of God and meditate in the Word day and night. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
(Psalms 1:2-3). If we want God to meet our physical needs then we must put Him first in our life. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. If we want our prayers to be answered then we have to abide in Him. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
(John 15:7), then we have to delight ourselves in Him AND trust Him. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psalms 37:4-5), then we have to follow His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because
we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (1 John 3:22), then we have to be effectual & fervent in our prayers and righteous in our life style, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)
This list could on and on here, but I am certain you get the idea. God has very specific “IF/THEN”s for us as we live our lives as ambassadors for Him. May He help us all to keep these in our hearts and apply them day by day. And may He help us see more as we read His Word.
Have a GREAT day IN Him!!
Mrs. Laurie Loveless
Pastor’s Wife
Bloomsdale, Missouri
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