Usually voiced in response to some unwanted comment or as a way of negating something said, whatever, is the theme song of many. Often followed by one party either physically or mentally exiting the conversation.  When God uses whatever we need to draw closer, listen, and take action. Like other words the original meaning of the word has been polluted a bit over time.

Are you or someone you frequently encounter known for ending your sentences with the highly recognizable, whatever!? This term goes back to Biblical times and was used often by Bible writers.

Through the pen of the Apostle Paul, my favorite author, God utters whatever in a way that is deliberate and underscores important tools for us as we walk along our path toward a more abundant life.

In one section of the letter written to the church in Philippi the word whatever is used six times. It is not by accident that whatever was used so many times in this passage. The passage I refer to is Philippians 4:8, there Paul writes:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (NIV)

As you can see the word of God shows a different meaning than the one readily used today. Originally the letter was to other Christians at the church in Philippi. Sent from Paul and Timothy who had both worked together to establish the church there. The letter was talking to those who decided to follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ. They were people living in the midst of this world and yet with citizenship in heaven.

This portion of the letter contains exhortation. Here it is clearly describe what the focus of the Christian was to be; whatever. In this case the term included “any that” or “all that” had to do with an expression of: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy things. Those were the things to think about.

Clearly those Christians had other things going on in their lives that were not included in those expressions of whatever thoughts, they were to have. However, they were urged to think on whatever was described in verse eight. Rather than discuss blocking out the other things, Paul wrote about what things they were to think about.

It was his desire for the Philippians to live the best life. This included their relationships; both toward God and others. While the letter was written to those in Philippi they are still relevant to us today. Our thinking leads to our feelings, our actions, our behaviors, our habits, and ultimately our character. Our outcomes begin with what we think.

We, like the early Christians desire to have the best life, right? Therefore because the letter is available to us to reference we can also gain valuable information for ourselves as we journey through this odyssey of life.

Let’s go a little further and see what benefits were attached to the exhortation by looking at verse nine of the same chapter it reads:

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (NIV)

So that means when we are able to think upon whatever was listed in verse eight we are entitled to what is mentioned in verse nine, companionship with the God of peace. In this fast paced world we share, does anyone have an overabundance of peace? Can anyone truly reveal they are too close to the God of peace?

Will you do whatever it takes to improve relationships with God and others? Will you think whatever thoughts to improve your life and your relationship with the God of peace? Will you gather information left by others that were faithful servants of God? Will you study to show yourself approved? Or, will you simply say WHATEVER, and exit?

The importance remains with what God says, and how you and I respond to what He says. When the time comes to review how we applied what He prompted us to do in our daily walk there will be no room for deception. He is the God of truth. We may be able to fool others or even self by living a pretend life. He requires true worship.

Take Inventory and Take Action!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”