A friend once told me that he knew an argument with his wife was over when she got that certain look in her eye and said, “Whatever!” He said that “Whatever” meant, by translation, “My mind is made up – discussion over!” “Whatever” is a term that is used by lots of people in a number of ways. But did you know that there are at least three “Whatever” passages in the Bible? These “Whatever you do” verses would be wise for each of us to remember and to practice every day of our lives. Let’s take a moment to consider them.
The first is found in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 9 verse 10. The wise writer says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
This is about Passion.
In the context of that passage of scripture we find words of wisdom that guide us in the path of living a joyful and fruitful life. The old saying says we only go around once in life. How true this is. Earthly life may last 0, 80, or 100 years, but it is only a blink in eternity. Each of us goes about our respective careers and vocations. No matter what God has given you to do, do it with a passion. We only have one lifetime to make a mark for Him on this earth.
The second reference is found in Colossians 3:17. Paul the Apostle writes, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
This is about Praise.
This passage talks about the character of the “new man” in Christ Jesus. It speaks of the forgiveness we have in Christ. The love that Christ brings to our hearts. The peace that comes only with a relationship with Him through the new birth. It speaks of how we are to worship, and how we are to encourage one another – while always giving thanks to God for His wonderful gift. Whatever you do, ask yourself, “Can I do this in a way that will bring honor to the Lord Jesus?” If so, do it! If not, steer clear.
A few verses later (Colossians 3:27) we find the third “Whatever” reference. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”.
This is about Purpose.
Those of us who belong to Christ are no longer our own. We have been purchased at a great price and we are His. This truth should permeate every relationship that this passage mentions (husband/wife, parent/children, servant/master, etc). Our primary purpose is toward our God. He is the one who sees and rewards. He is the one we are to please.
A Christian life of Passion, Praise and Purpose is one that can, and must be lived, “whatever” our circumstances.
The first is found in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 9 verse 10. The wise writer says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
This is about Passion.
In the context of that passage of scripture we find words of wisdom that guide us in the path of living a joyful and fruitful life. The old saying says we only go around once in life. How true this is. Earthly life may last 0, 80, or 100 years, but it is only a blink in eternity. Each of us goes about our respective careers and vocations. No matter what God has given you to do, do it with a passion. We only have one lifetime to make a mark for Him on this earth.
The second reference is found in Colossians 3:17. Paul the Apostle writes, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
This is about Praise.
This passage talks about the character of the “new man” in Christ Jesus. It speaks of the forgiveness we have in Christ. The love that Christ brings to our hearts. The peace that comes only with a relationship with Him through the new birth. It speaks of how we are to worship, and how we are to encourage one another – while always giving thanks to God for His wonderful gift. Whatever you do, ask yourself, “Can I do this in a way that will bring honor to the Lord Jesus?” If so, do it! If not, steer clear.
A few verses later (Colossians 3:27) we find the third “Whatever” reference. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”.
This is about Purpose.
Those of us who belong to Christ are no longer our own. We have been purchased at a great price and we are His. This truth should permeate every relationship that this passage mentions (husband/wife, parent/children, servant/master, etc). Our primary purpose is toward our God. He is the one who sees and rewards. He is the one we are to please.
A Christian life of Passion, Praise and Purpose is one that can, and must be lived, “whatever” our circumstances.
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