In computer programming, you have if-then statements. If you do this, then this will happen. I’m not a computer programmer, but I did build a DOS program back in the day for school. This was before the touchscreen, smartphone world we live in today. I still remember programming those if-then statements. I had to create two outcomes: one for what happens if you choose a certain option, and another set of events if you chose the other. It was all a game, and an assignment. I got an A. That was the last time I wrote code.
In the Bible, we see many if-then statements. One of the most well-known is Deuteronomy chapter 28. In that chapter, it outlines the blessings if you follow the Lord and the curses if you don’t. I highly recommend reading it. Proverbs is full of these kinds of conditional statements as well. Below, I’ve listed Proverbs 3:1–4 in three of my favorite translations of the Bible.
It shows us what loyalty and kindness bring when we make them a huge part of our lives. The Bible tells us that we’ll gain favor with both God and people, and as a bonus, we’ll have a good reputation. I’ve highlighted the if part of the conditional statements in bold and the then part in red. Read them in these different translations:
Proverbs 3:1-4
( NLT)
My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
2 If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.
(AMP)
My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;
2
For length of days and years of life [worth living]
And tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you.
3
Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you];
Bind them [securely] around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4
So find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
(MSG)
1-2 Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;
take to heart my commands.
They’ll help you live a long, long time,
a long life lived full and well.
3-4 Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.
Teaching 101 tells us that we’ll be tested on the material we’ve been taught. The Bible is no different. Since I’ve laid out this if-then statement in Proverbs 3:1–4, you have a test. A pop quiz.
Your assignment is to review your week and ask yourself: have loyalty and kindness defined you? Also, run a quality check on your relationships with others. Are they marked by favor and a good reputation? School is in session, and you’ve just been chosen to review your programming.
How many pathways have you taken that haven’t ended with favor or a good reputation? Today can be the day you start your reprogramming of the heart.
Prayer: Father, today, help us to reprogram our hearts to be hearts after You, Lord. I pray we review everything we do and see if it lines up with Your Word. I pray that we get familiar with the if-then statements in Your Word. I pray we make life-changing efforts, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to reprogram ourselves into people after Your own heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let It Go 
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