Whatever.

Whatever.

Doesn’t that word sound like something you’d hear a junior high girl mockingly say with a hand raised? “What-ev-eeer!”

What has become a popular phrase for teenagers actually is a powerful term. This eight-letter word often conveys the idea of lacking restriction. Simply put, whatever suggests that anything is possible.

For example, if I told you I would support your decision, whatever you decide, I would be telling you I won’t restrict your options but rather support your final conclusion. If I asked you what you wanted for dinner and you responded with “whatever,” I would assume you meant you didn’t care, every choice would be a good one.

Whatever.

In Philippians 4.8, Paul gives a list of whatevers. He writes:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.

Paul doesn’t say to think about anything, he says to think about anything within a particular structure. The beauty of a Godly life and mind are found by allowing your mind to think and meditate within a set of boundaries. As odd as it may sound: freedom is created by the boundaries.

What is it that you as a Christian are allowed to think upon? Whatever you want … as long as it:

• true
• noble
• just
• pure
• lovely
• of good report
• virtuous
• praiseworthy

Want to know more? I encourage you to check out the series on “Whatever” from Philippians 4:8 I wrote a couple years ago.

Know I am cheering you on unto that end!
—NRJohnson