Have you ever said, “If only I had (fill in the blank) then I would be (fill in the blank).” Here are some examples:

If only I had more money, then I would be more generous.
If only I had less weight, then I would feel better about my appearance.
If only I had better connections, then I would have a decent job.
And the list goes on and on . . .

Many people are constantly searching for fulfillment but never experiencing it. For some people that’s the way they like it. They figure if they don’t have what they need then it’s not their fault and therefore they don’t need to be responsible. After all it wasn’t their fault – if they had the benefits other people had then they too could be somebody. On the other hand some people do realize their wildest dreams and see their “if” statement become a reality. The problem they discover however, is that when they get their “if” their “then” isn’t necessarily what they thought it would be. For example have you ever received something you desired and then the fulfillment is short lived? Why is it that after some people win the big lottery their life is in a shambles? Their problem is the wrong goal.

We think that money, relationships, or performance is what we need and we settle for less than God’s best. Augustine shows us the proper priority, “Almighty God you have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you. So lead us by your Spirit that in this life we may live to your glory and in the life to come enjoy you forever through Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit.”

What happens when we have the right goal? We realize that we have everything we need for life and godliness! We realize that our “then” is completely fulfilled in Jesus and rather than waiting for life we are, perhaps for the first time, actually experiencing life right now! We are complete in Christ and He is all we need. Romans 8:32 states, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” If Jesus is your Savior stop trying to be who you want to be and be who you already are!

Are there any “if . . . then’s” in your life? Believe the words of the Apostle Paul in Colossians 2:10, “and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.”