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Enjoy Life, Enjoy God


Dale Patterson

IF-THEN

November 20, 2012

 It's only two letters, but the word, "IF" has huge significance in our lives, and in the New Testament story.

 
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
--Matthew 4:11 TNIV
 
When Jesus is tempted in the wilderness the devil, three times the tempter's offer hangs on the word, IF:
--If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.
--If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from these heights.
--If you bow down and worship me I will give you the world.
Three times the IF.  In each, Jesus is invited to take upon himself that which God the Father has not offered him.

Often, even without the devil, we use the word "IF" to betray our commitment to Christ.  "If God is god, then God will act according to what is acceptable to me."  "If I were God then God would act per my thoughts."  "IF" can be the two little letters that tempt us to try to be God ourselves...it's no win, in any case.
 
Joyfully,
 
Dale Patterson