We have all said it. We have all heard it. Something in our lives is deficient. Some circumstance is less than ideal. Some resource is too scarce. Some action is too difficult. Some relationship is too awkward. “I would love to, if only…”
I do not deny that we all have limits. No one can do everything all the time without missing opportunities. Yet, ironically, when we focus on our limitations, we often miss opportunities! If we wait until our budget is “just so” and the circumstance is “just right” and our understanding of Scripture is “finally there” (and the list could go on), we will never take action.
Scripture offers many exhortations to “do,” even if what we are able to do is limited (e.g. Matt. 7:24-27; Jas. 1:22-25; 2:14-17; Col. 3:17-24). For today, I encourage you to consider 1 Jn. 3:16-18:
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
Indeed, loving in word and talk is easy. It ultimately requires nothing of us. Sometimes, we love in word and talk because we really do intend to follow through someday when circumstances are better, when we feel equipped, when life slows down, or when it’s more convenient. After all, “if only” life were a little bit different, we would follow through! God’s call to Christians, however, is not just to have good intentions; He calls us to live out good actions as well. When we lay aside the “if only” and serve from the heart, it is a demonstration of God’s love abiding in us. This means that no matter how large or small the task is at hand, the opportunity we have is indeed great!
If only I made just a little bit more.
If only it cost just a little bit less.
If only I had just a little more time.
If only my house wasn’t quite such a mess.
I’d share with the needy. I know I’d give more!
I’d open my home with more zeal than before.
“If only. If only! If only…” I say.
“If only my life had worked out in that way.”
If only I knew those I see every day.
If only my friendships had come with rapport.
If only I knew all the right words to say.
If only I had ten years’ study (or more).
I’d teach the whole Gospel. I’d speak about God.
I’d talk about Jesus and wouldn’t feel odd.
“If only. If only! If only…” I say.
“If only my life had worked out in that way.”
“If only!” “If only!?” Is that all I’ve got?
“If only” will easily serve as a crutch.
“If only” won’t help me to serve or to grow.
“If only” rings empty. It won’t do me much!
It won’t help me study. It won’t help me pray.
It won’t help tomorrow, nor does it today.
If only I’d give up “if only” and say,
“Today, I will act and no longer delay!”
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