IF!

"If" is a huge two letter word. "If" establishes conditions, alerts everyone that some attitude, or action must be met before what follows is in effect. It seems important that John wrote, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." (Emphasis mine)

Confession of sin is the condition upon which Divine provision is put into effect. Confession strikes to heart of sin, pride which is quick to deny, blame others, or excuse unacceptable behavior. A Philadelphia Inquirer writer rightly applauded Johnson & Johnson’s recall of Tylenol because of the remote possibility that the product could be tainted. The cost of the recall in 1982 was $100 million. Practically, Johnson & Johnson said, "We are not sure if we mistakenly tainted Tylenol or have mishandled our product, but we will assume responsibility for the safety of our customers." Johnson & Johnson’s market share nose-dived from 35% to just 7%. Most economic prognosticators and industry specialists forecast the brand’s end. But, within one year, the market share was again above 30%. Johnson & Johnson simply did the right thing!

Penn State responded infamously when one of their football coaches was known to be molesting young boys. It seems that everyone involved chose to look away or actively engaged in a cover-up. The whole university is under a cloud. Many of the best football players have transferred to other schools. The head coach’s statue has been removed. More than 100 victories have been vacated. Wins in record books are recorded as losses, forfeits.

An open confession of a problem, tainted medicine, is being celebrated and used as an example in business courses. Unfortunately, the second if in 1 John 1, is the also proven true, "If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." Isn’t it too bad that someone in the Penn State hierarchy didn’t have the knowledge to courageously properly apply the if clause to the university’s challenging circumstances?