Whatever!

Has someone said this to you recently? If not then you are probably living in a cocoon somewhere. As a youth pastor I hear this response from teens frequently. Even more, I believe this single catchy phrase captures our culture's worldview. In fact, some sociologists have labeled this generation of young people the "whatever generation". When approached with moral, spiritual, or relational issues, the attitude of many is – Ah, whatever. Do whatever feels right. Say whatever you want to say. Have whatever you want to have. Believe whatever you want to think.

I say we should recapture "whatever" from the world. "Whatever" is OUR word. It is OUR way of life. It is OUR way of thinking about things. Why is it OURS? Because of this: "Finally, brothers, 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" (Philippians 4:8).

So, live the whatever way. Meditate on whatever. Give God whatever. Be willing to be whatever God wants you to be. Have you said "Whatever" to God? Whatever!!!

post adapted from friend Jacques Rancourt e-devotional, 11/30/2008