What If...?
One of the most powerful questions that we can ask is, “What if…?” This is the question that enables us to imagine a different future, to see an opportunity for change, or to try something new. It gives us a glimpse of what life might be like if we did things differently, and the ways that our lives, and the lives of those around us, might be better. Then we can act to make the vision a reality and we have a focus for our efforts.
This question has led to radical changes and achievements in our society. I can imagine William Wilberforce, before embarking on the campaign that led to the abolition of slavery, asking the question, “What if every person was treated with the dignity inherent in their humanity?” And having asked the question he arrived at a vision of a world without slavery. I can imagine the people at NASA envisioning a person standing on the surface of the moon and then setting out to make it a reality. We start with the question, from the question comes the vision, and the vision drives the actions necessary to make it a reality.
Let me ask you a, “What if…?” What if there really is a God who intentionally created this universe and everything in it, including us? Intention implies rationality. If God created us, he did so for a reason or purpose. We are not merely the consequence of a random coalescence of atoms but of God’s vision of what might be, the result of his own asking, “What if…?” Then he acted to make his vision a reality. Here’s what the bible says, “You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).
Why does that matter? Because to make the most of our lives, we need to know why we are here. First, we need to glimpse God’s vision and then, we need to ask ourselves what we can do to make our purpose for being here a reality.
Neil Percival
This question has led to radical changes and achievements in our society. I can imagine William Wilberforce, before embarking on the campaign that led to the abolition of slavery, asking the question, “What if every person was treated with the dignity inherent in their humanity?” And having asked the question he arrived at a vision of a world without slavery. I can imagine the people at NASA envisioning a person standing on the surface of the moon and then setting out to make it a reality. We start with the question, from the question comes the vision, and the vision drives the actions necessary to make it a reality.
Let me ask you a, “What if…?” What if there really is a God who intentionally created this universe and everything in it, including us? Intention implies rationality. If God created us, he did so for a reason or purpose. We are not merely the consequence of a random coalescence of atoms but of God’s vision of what might be, the result of his own asking, “What if…?” Then he acted to make his vision a reality. Here’s what the bible says, “You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).
Why does that matter? Because to make the most of our lives, we need to know why we are here. First, we need to glimpse God’s vision and then, we need to ask ourselves what we can do to make our purpose for being here a reality.
Neil Percival