Sometimes when we are asked to do something that we are uncertain of, we may think of possible ways that things can go wrong. We start to ask, “what if . . .?”

We go to university, but what if I don’t have money to complete the course? What if the study gets too difficult and I don’t think I can complete the study?  What if. . . ?

We go on a vacation to a strange country that we have never been to before, but what if I miss the plane? What if it rains every day? What if I get sick while away? What if . . . ?

Thinking of these “what if’s” burdens our minds; they can cause stress and our study can suffer. Our vacation may not be as enjoyable with constant worry.

Many times we may also think “what if” in the context of what could have been in the past. Perhaps when we come to the end of the day, or the end of the year, we think we did not get everything accomplished we wanted to. What if we had done things differently? How would the outcome have changed? Would we have accomplished more, if . . . ?

“What if” can be a cause of fear and worry.   We may look at all the problems we are facing and we keep playing the “what if’s” in our mind, over and over again, thinking of different possible scenarios to manage the problems. What if we did it this way . . . or what if we did it that way?

David was worried and concerned about the anger of King Saul. It was irrational at times and David never knew when Saul would lose his self-control.  “Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?” 1 Samuel 20:10. When the future is uncertain, as it was for David, are we tempted to think, what if? What will happen when, if I am unable to buy or sell? What will happen if my family and friends turn against me?

There are many who are questioning God. They either do not believe He exists, or they do not take religion seriously. They see no benefit in serving the Lord. There is nothing to gain. But, regardless of how they think or feel, God never changes.  “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” Romans 3:3. God never changes, neither does His law and the penalty for lawlessness. True religion is not to be taken lightly or put into the closet and taken out only when needed.

Some may believe there is a God, but do not take prayer seriously. Prayer is for the simple people—not the educated or rich. They believe they have no need of God’s help.  “What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto Him?” Job 21:15. David challenged people to “taste and see that the LORD is good.” Psalm 34:8. There is much to be gained if we take the time to pray. “Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power.” –Gospel Workers, p. 254

Also, sin is not to be taken lightly. “For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?” Job 35:3. Is there any benefit from being cleansed from sin? Much!! “Can we not understand that the most costly thing in the world is sin? It is at the expense of purity of conscience, at the cost of losing the favor of God and separating the soul from Him, and at last losing heaven.” –Faith and Works, p. 17

“If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.” 1 Corinthians 15:32. What is the point of living a righteous life if there is no resurrection? Let each live unto himself, satisfying all their sinful lusts to the fullest extent. Enjoy life to the fullest because there is no God, they say.

What if . . .

  • There was no heaven to win?
  • There was no hell to shun?
  • There was no God?
  • Our religion is not worth anything by the time we die?

Would you:

  • change your lifestyle that you are living today? And if so, how?
  • dress differently?
  • eat differently?
  • still attend church and pay your tithes?
  • still help your neighbours?
  • watch different TV shows or surf different websites on the Internet?
  • stay with your spouse?
  • change your job?

The list can be endless. There are many ways in which a worldly man’s lifestyle does not measure up to the Word of God. If you know what is written in the Bible about lifestyle, but if there is no God, would you change the way you live, as there would be no accountability?

There are two opposite ways you can answer this question:

Many years ago, over 20 years at least, a man told me that if there was no God and no heaven, he would not change the way he lived in the least. The lifestyle outlined in the Bible is conducive to man’s happiness. A healthier lifestyle is promoted by proper eating, dressing and proper rest.  A happier state of mind exists as we help those who are in need of help. And, why waste your brain energy and fill it with nonsense from the media?

On the other hand, a young man asked me once, that, what would happen if you got to the end of your life and then found out there was no heaven and no God, then what a waste of time it was in your life to try to be vegetarian, keep the commandments, pay your tithes and participate in church duties, while denying the pleasures of the world?

Which category do you fit in? Many of us may say we would agree with the first man. However, consider seriously the direction in your life and your motivation for following the Lord and being a part of His church today. “Consider your ways.” Haggai 1:5

Thankfully we have clear evidence of the existence of God, but realistically speaking, would your lifestyle change if He did not exist? If so, what is your motivation for following Him now? Is it because you want to, or is it because it is a way you must live in order to be in heaven one day but you are not very happy with it and wish there was another way?

Many followed Jesus only for the benefits. “Some have been zealous to attend all the meetings, not to glorify God, but for the ‘loaves and fishes’” (Early Writings, p. 58); or for the notoriety of having some important offices and responsibilities in the church.

Ask yourself, What if:

  • You had no offices in the local church?
  • You had no offices in the Field, Union or General Conference level?
  • They did not do things the way you wanted them to do in the church?
  • God did not provide you with the job you wanted because of Sabbath?
  • There are only a handful of members in your local church?
  • There are no other youth, or children for our young people to socialize with?
  • There is no potential spouse that can be seen at the moment in the church?
  • Some one you cared about offended you, whether intentionally (fallen human nature) or unintentionally?
  • Fallen human nature got a hold of some of the members and they spread some false rumours about you?

Would you still be a part of God’s church?

We are mingling with sinners in church—sinners in need of Christ, that Christ came to save—sinners who are striving for salvation and sometimes make momentary slip-ups. We are also mingling with the tares that the enemy has planted in the midst of the church.

There are many different instances in the religious life that one could ask “what if?”

What if God’s plan for your life differs from your plan?  Many people have a plan for their life. They have dreams and goals and set out to pursue them; however, what if God has a different plan for your life than you intended? Some people want to tell the Lord what He (the Lord) must do for them for their salvation. They tell the Lord, they must have this kind of job. They tell the Lord, they must live in this type of house. They tell the Lord when it is time to be married. They tell the Lord what kind of offices they must have in the church if they are to remain in God’s church.

“God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 224–225. After the mountain top experience on Mount Carmel, we see Elijah fleeing for his life and becoming weary of running, so “he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life.” 1 Kings 19:4. Elijah’s wish was not granted—he never faced death. And John the Baptist? Did he expect to die a martyr? It is likely he would have wished to be Jesus’ right-hand-man.  However, each was led in a different way—according to God’s will.

We need to trust the leading of the Lord, knowing that He will not always give what us what we want in life, but we will receive exactly what we need for our salvation.  Do not get dismayed if He leads you somewhere completely different than what you originally expected or wanted.

What if all of God’s children were missionary minded?  “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?” Luke 15:4. The Lord has a mission for each person, and what if each faithfully did their duty? What if you only went out when you felt like going out to do missionary work? Would you go? “Go to work, whether you feel like it or not. Engage in personal effort to bring souls to Jesus and the knowledge of the truth. In such labor you will find both a stimulus and a tonic; it will both arouse and strengthen. By

exercise your spiritual powers will become more vigorous, so that you can with better success work out your own salvation.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 387. What if each person put their heart and soul into saving those around them? What a harvest of souls would be seen and how soon would Jesus come.

What if we obeyed God without question? We know that Abraham had no questions when he was told to go sacrifice his son. He got up and obeyed. On the other hand, Jonah asked, “what if” and ran away. Perhaps Solomon was a little overwhelmed with the prospect of the building of the temple and had questions, so David his father gave him this counsel.  “And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.”  1 Chronicles 28:20. David said, “do it”. No questions asked. Do it. When God tells us to do something, do not question about who, how, when. Do not ask, “what if?”  Just do it.

What if God showed mercy to poor sinners? “What if God, willing to shew His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction.”  Romans 9:22. This is what God did. We do not need to think of possible answers. He clearly, willing to show wrath against sinners, decided instead to show longsuffering to His vessels (you and I). I think He was hoping, that what if He showed kindness and came up with the plan of salvation, would there be anyone willing to accept Him into their lives? Would any be willing to worship Him, leaving the ranks of the evil one? He took a calculated risk, and yes, there will be a Great Multitude and 144,000. He took the punishment we deserve. What more could He do for us?

What if we are patient in tribulation? Is the Lord happy to see His children suffer?

“Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon My people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon My people: smite therefore upon thy thigh. Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 21:12–13

Suffering is for testing and trials.  “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” 1 Peter 2:20

The Lord is well pleased when His children pass the test. He desires to give them a 100% score on their tests, and this is only possible if the students put 100% of an effort into the test.  100% is the passing grade for the Lord’s tests. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Matthew 16:26. To gain the world has always been the ambition of the wicked, from the time of Satan up until today. There is no good answer to this question as there is no profit.

 Every day we make decisions—large and small—decisions about what to eat, what to wear, how to use our spare time, what to buy at the store, education, employment, and so on. Before we make any decision, whether large or small we must ask, what will it profit me only on this earth? How will it profit me as far as salvation is concerned? Will it lead me closer or further away from Christ? Is Jesus pleased with my decision?

Judah asked this question, “And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood.” Genesis 37:26. Even though they sold him as a slave, thankfully they chose to consider the consequences of death and chose not to slay him.  How much more they would have suffered with guilt, had Judah not stopped to consider, “What if?” We need to stop and think!! What if?

What if this was your last day on earth or what if Jesus would come this year? How would you live your life? When you woke up this morning, you had the same problems as yesterday, the same burdens and same needs, the same worries and fears as when you went to bed.

Although today may be just another day, what would you do if this was the last day of your life? How would you live?   “All we have to do with is this one day. Today we must be faithful to our trust. Today we must love God with all the heart and our neighbor as ourselves. Today we must resist the temptations of the enemy, and through the grace of Christ gain the victory. Thus we shall watch and wait for Christ’s coming. Each day we should live as if we knew that this would be our last day on this earth. If we knew that Christ would come tomorrow, would we not crowd into today all the kind words, all the unselfish deeds, that we could? We should be patient and gentle, and intensely in earnest, doing all in our power to win souls to Christ.” –In Heavenly Places, p. 355

What if the impossible was possible? “And He said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”  Luke 18:27. And what if our faith was strong enough to move mountains (Matthew 17:20)? What a mighty work would be done through God’s children today, if . . .

What if your life could change? Many doubt that God can change their sinful life into a life of purity. They believe that God created the world in six days. They believe He is a Mighty God and is in control of the affairs of this world; however, they do not believe He can enable them to overcome every sin. There will be some sins, they believe, they will retain until the Lord comes, and they comfort themselves with the thought that they do not need to overcome all. They can cease to struggle and strive against sinful tendencies. They will be sorely disappointed in the end because the promise is, “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 11:19. Today, you must claim this promise. A new heart, in connection with Christ can overcome every sin, today.

What if you could make a difference in someone’s life?  What if you used the opportunities to witness for the Lord that He provides every day, rather than going through life with blinders on your eyes, fixed only on your problems and needs. “He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death.” James 5:20. Are you willing to try?  What if you could be surrounded by your friends, family, workmates, and neighbours in heaven? Would that not be wonderful?

What if you prayed without ceasing? (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayed for your enemies; spent all night in prayer. Prayed, truly believing that God does answer every prayer. Prayed as did Elijah when he prayed for rain. “The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Six times he returned from the watch, saying, There is nothing, no cloud, no sign of rain. But the prophet did not give up in discouragement. He kept reviewing his life, to see where he had failed to honor God, he confessed his sins, and thus continued to afflict his soul before God, while watching for a token that his prayer was answered. As he searched his heart, he seemed to be less and less, both in his own estimation and in the sight of God. It seemed to him that he was nothing, and that God was everything; and when he reached the point of renouncing self, while he clung to the Saviour as his only strength and righteousness, the answer came. The servant appeared, and said, ‘Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand.’” –The Review and Herald, May 26, 1891. Who sinned? Elijah or the nation of Israel?  What a mighty prayer warrior he was.

“Satan is ever ready to insinuate that prayer is a mere form, and avails us nothing. He cannot bear to have his powerful rival appealed to. At the sound of fervent prayer, the hosts of darkness tremble. Fearing that their captive may escape, they form a wall around him, that Heaven’s light may not reach his soul. But if in his distress and helplessness the sinner looks to Jesus, pleading the merits of His blood, our compassionate Redeemer listens to the earnest, persevering prayer of faith, and sends to his deliverance a re-enforcement of angels that excel in strength. And when these angels, all-powerful, clothed with the armory of Heaven, come to the help of the fainting, pursued soul, the angels of darkness fall back, well knowing that their battle is lost, and that one more soul is escaping from the power of their influence.” –The Signs of the Times, November 18, 1886

What if everyone on earth kept all of God’s commandments? “Had the Sabbath been universally kept, man’s thoughts and affections would have been led to the Creator as the object of reverence and worship, and there would never have been an idolater, an atheist, or an infidel.” –The Great Controversy, p. 438. What a wonderful idea; sadly though, this will not happen universally on this earth, but we certainly can individually do our part in our small corner of the earth to show how the keeping of all of the commandments brings us peace and happiness.

What if, when the Lord returns, He finds us ready?  What a wonderful day it will be. I long to see each of you readers (those I know and those I have never met yet) with me there one day and I know it is only possible through the merits of the blood of Christ.

Going back to our original question, What if there was no heaven? Would you still want to live a good, wholesome life, healthy, and in harmony with your friends and neighbours?  If so, you are then prepared to live in heaven, because heaven does exist and will be available for those who see the Christian lifestyle as the greatest blessing God gave to mankind rather than a boot camp—a rigorous set of rules that must be followed by a commanding officer before the reward is given. May God help each of you readers to be faithful, allowing God into your heart that you can serve Him with the correct motive. He gave His all for us. What if you gave your all in return? We are helpless without Him, but with Him . . . . nothing is impossible. Amen.

All emphases in Bible verses mine.

Wendy Eaton