Reclaiming “Whatever”

Finally, beloved, 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 (NIV)

Anyone who has read these devotions for a while knows I have a fascination with words—how they carry weight, how they shift over time, how they're used and misused, and how scripture often reclaims them for holy purpose. Words like "grace," "peace," "hope"—and yes, even "whatever." What may sound like a shrug in everyday speech can, in scripture, become a summons to deeper living.

For example, you might say to your teenager, "It's time to talk about your future plans," and the reply comes: "Whatever!" perhaps accompanied by an eye roll. Is it resistance? Resignation? Reluctance? Hard to tell.

Language evolves. What once carried weight can become a throwaway. But scripture has a way of reclaiming words—restoring their depth, redirecting their purpose, and renewing our minds in the process (Romans 12:2).

But Paul's "whatever" is a different kind of word.  

It's not apathetic—it's aspirational.  

It's not a brush-off—it's a call to attention.

Whatever is true.  

Whatever is noble.  

Whatever is right, pure, lovely, admirable.  

These are the "whatevers" that shape our hearts and guide our steps.

And Paul doesn't stop at thought. In the next verse, he moves to practice.  

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me… put it into practice." (Philippians 4:9)  

The "whatever's" Paul proposes aren't about positive vibes or wishful thinking.

It's about living the gospel with intention.  

Doing the good.  

Being the good.  

Reflecting the good.

These "whatever's" echo the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). They are not just ideals to admire, but virtues to embody.

So today, let's reclaim "whatever." 

Not as a sigh, but as a summons.  

Not as a shrug, but as a sacred yes.

God of the Whatever, you invite us to think deeply and act boldly. Whatever we do today—may it be done with joy, with justice, and with love. May our thoughts be true, our words noble, our deeds pure. And may all we offer be lovely and admirable in your sight. Amen.

Peace & Grace,  

Pastor Tim