The beautiful word "IF"

Have you ever received an email that said just one word or an unfinished phrase because the sender accidentally hit SEND before finishing the email?

Recently, I received an email that said one word. If. A minute or two later, the finished email came through, which began, "Okay, let's try this again."

I liked the first email even better.

It made me think. So much of what our parents, teachers, and even our faith says to us begins with the word "if" - and it usually implies a "then" that is pretty cool. That email that began with "if" was the beginning of so many possible if/then propositions.

Here are some of the possibilities:

If you choose blessing. . .

If you embrace Lent. . .

If you remember to honor your parents . . .

If you treat others the way you want to be treated. . .

If you honor the Lord's Day. . .

If you do it for the least of these. . .

If you remain faithful until the end. . .

But also:

If you eat all your vegetables. . .

If you clean your room like I asked you to do. . .

If your dad gets that bonus. . .

If I get a raise this year. . .

And it all begins with the word "if". So many possibilities. What is the "if" proposition in your life right now?

Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?