Programming the Christian Life – Part 1

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(2 Timothy 2:15) – Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (NKJV)

As a programmer and web developer, I often see parallels from the computer world in Scripture. Odd I know, but that just goes to show the depth of application that is singularly unique with the Bible. The Word of God is part of the interface between the windows of humanity and vista of God’s presence. It’s like a keyboard into the human operating system. The Bible is our flat sceen monitor displayed in high definition. God is a PC and Satan is a Mac.

Okay, seriously hokey I know. I was trying to see how many computer terms I could throw in there to show you how witty I am. But it is still the truth… I often see analogies and parallels in technology that help me understand Scripture.

Once such parallel has to do with a logical condition statement programmers use called: IF… THEN… ELSE…

If-Then-Else in plain English goes something like this:

• IF a certain condition is met THEN
• Something specified occurs ELSE
• The other specified thing occurs.

For example, IF your breath stinks THEN brush your teeth ELSE do nothing. Or, IF it is raining outside THEN wear your rain coat ELSE wear your regular coat.

Multiple conditions can be considered as well: IF it is raining outside THEN wear your rain coat ELSE IF it is not raining but cold THEN wear your regular coat ELSE do not wear a coat.

See how it works? Conditions are met with results. This way of thinking helps us to clarify, really clarify, many things about Christianity that have otherwise been muddied by either compromise or poor teaching.

For example, salvation is a logical equation: IF you have responded obediently to God’s Gospel invitation THEN you will be saved ELSE you will not be saved. It’s as logical and black and white as any programming condition despite the world’s attempt to deny both the logical and the absolute nature of that statement.

This week, I’ll be looking at several of these example in more detail. WHY? Not to try and come up with novel approach to determining doctrine, but simply to give us a tool by which we can easily remember certain truths and principles. By examing some If-Then-Else examples about the Christian life, you’ll recall them readily, and be able to explain them to others more concisely.

And, it will be fun. I’m going to reboot now, and I’ll log back on tomorrow.

Lord God, help us to study Your Word in spirit and truth. Help us to understand it, apply it and then tell others what we have learned. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.