WHATEVER!

        While shopping, an older couple encountered some young adults in a store engaged in loud banter that included profanity. The older man stopped and said to them, “Nice that you are having a good time, but please watch your language. I am sure others wish you’d not use such words.”  A young man looked at him and said, “Whatever, old man, whatever!”

        “Whatever” has usually meant a lack of restriction (i.e. “Take whatever is needed”), but it can also be a response of irritation or reluctance to change. Today it’s also a word of indifference or exasperation (“Whatever, old man, whatever!”) Then it’s meant to push back and contradict what has been said. 

        I’ve even seen this word on a bumper stickers. Years ago I first heard “whatever” mumbled by a youth in my classroom. While it’s usually meant to stop discussion, in that student’s case he discovered the discussion had only begun.

        But this is not at all what Apostle Paul had in mind in his letter to the Philippians. “Finally, brothers, WHATEVER is true, WHATEVER is honorable, WHATEVER is just, WHATEVER is pure, WHATEVER is lovely, WHATEVER is commendable; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8) 

        Paul was urging Christians to be respectful and helpful since what is said reflects directly on how others perceive us. He urges us to rejoice in the Lord and show respect to others. While we may feel justified at being angered or offended by what we hear or see around us, Paul urges an honorable and prudent response.

        There is much anger blazing around in our world today, with so much useless talk. Whether privately or publicly, people feel they have a right to say anything and get offended by the least inappropriate word, even making threats if they don’t get their way. 

        Satan loves it when we fight each other and use our tongues to light fires that burn and destroy. But God’s Word urges us to speak and think on WHATEVER is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely or commendable. 

        We are all sinful, as our conversation certainly shows. But our Lord Jesus has forgiven us with His death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit will give us strength to change our anger into respect and encouragement. 

That’s why Paul says, “Think about these things…”

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com