In modern communication that one word garners an attitude of disrespect and rudeness. However, I would like to redirect our thinking.
“Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men. 24 Remember that you will get your reward from the Lord. He will give you what you should receive. You are working for the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 NLV
Whatever is all inclusive; nothing is left outside of its scope. When we follow Christ, we need to embrace the whatever. He is our example and we are called to be like Him.
“You are merciful, Lord! You are kind and patient and always loving…Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere.” Psalm 145:8,17-18 CEV
In whatever we do we should be kind and loving. Oh my! I’m preaching to myself this morning.
There are times when I’m tired, frustrated and downright cranky. There are times when I want to issue a “whatever” in a sarcastic manner and it’s in those moments that I hear the voice of God in my heart reminding me that whatever I chose to do, I need to represent Him.
One word, the same word, can be spoken with kindness or with selfishness.
“And Christ did die for all of us. He died so we would no longer live for ourselves, but for the one who died and was raised to life for us. 16 We are careful not to judge people by what they seem to be, though we once judged Christ in this way. 17 Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.” II Corinthians 5:15-18 CEV
It’s our assignment to show God’s love and His desire to bring peace to those we encounter each day. Whatever we do will be a service to Him who gave us new life.
I’m talking to myself now. I don’t have this mastered, yet!
“Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 CEV
I encourage you to make “whatever” your word of the day. Whatever is kind and loving, whatever is friendly and true. Whatever we do, do all to God’s glory!