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When vs If

I could endanger myself writing such blasphemous words here in Indiana, but I think the Indianapolis Colts may not make the playoffs. To redeem myself in the eyes of Manning-fans the state over, I'll add that if they make the playoffs, I would not doubt their ability to win.

But this is a far cry from how Colts fans have talked for the past decade. The words have always been 'when the Colts make the playoffs.' But not this year. This year is if, not when.

That's an important distinction, I think. It is one we as Christians would be wise to consider when reading the Bible. There are many times that we find an expectation written down that we treat as a choice. The Sermon on the Mount comes to mind as I think of Jesus' words of instruction concerning 'when' we pray, fast and give. That's an expectation from God Himself that we would be praying, fasting and giving.

I came across another verse that is written less as a command but would be good of us to consider.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:3-4
Granted, this isn't written as 'Thou shalt gaze upon the skies and ask questions of identity'. But maybe it should be.

Think about this in other parts of your world.
  • When your children are obedient, they will learn discipline and see order in their lives.
  • When teens study in school, they will learn things they did not previously know.
  • When your Aunt brings that 3-bean casserole, there will be inner weeping.
There are more that could be listed, but consider that an exasperated parent or teacher will look at the first two in that list and exclaim, 'If only!' There is a big difference between when and if.

If I considered the heavens, I might be forced to think about how small I am.

If I considered the work of God's fingers, I may have to concede that He is a wonderful designer.

If I paused on a clear night to look up at a full moon and a blanket of stars, it might give me reason to wonder like I did as a child.

If I actually stopped to consider who God is and what He has done, then thought about myself in relation to God, I might have to ask the same questions David asked. Who am I? Why does God care about me?

I do not know if the Colts will make the playoffs, but I do know that when I consider the heavens and everything else, I am quite thankful for the God who loves me.
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