If... Then Statements

Our current state of society is based on "If...Then"s. For example, if my boss gives me a raise, then I will work harder. If my landlord fixes the leak, then I will pay my rent. If my I lose weight, then I will feel better about myself. 

As Christians, we are supposed to be Christ-ones. The facts are if God had chosen to give us the the punishment we deserve, then I would end up in Hell. If Jesus only loved the "religious" people, then I would have never known God's grace and provision. BUT He didn't. God sent us a sacrifice to cover our sins. God loves the unloveable. Jesus died for those who hated Him. The fact is as a Christ-one we should do all things to glorify, including the way we treat and react to others. We are to honor our commitments.  We should seek God for our fulfillment. 


Matthew 5:37 "All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."


1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Sadly, a lot of marriages fall victim to the If...Thens. I was once victim to this frame of mind and still occasionally slip back into it. If he loves me, then I will honor and submit to him. If he apologizes to me first, then I will apologize to him. I think the reason is because we see our vows as a promise to our spouse, but they aren't. Marital vows are a promise and a vow to God. 


1 Peter 3:1-4 "Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. "


Self-sacrificing is a difficult thing to do, especially in a society that is focused on self. It seems easier to die for someone than to live for someone, because at least if you were to die for them it would be a one time thing. Living for them means a daily sacrificing and constant humility that I am not sure if I could do. I pray that God gives me a serving heart. Maybe, as Christians, we should put away our "If...Then"s and bring out our "Yes, Lord"s.


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