• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Deeper Christian

Deeper Christian

Christ-Centered Bible Teaching and Resources

  • About
    • About Deeper Christian
    • About NRJohnson
  • Articles
    • How to Study the Bible
    • Bible Studies
    • Jesus in the Old Testament
    • Foundations
    • Bio Sketches
    • Book Reviews
    • Most Recent (Archive)
  • Podcasts + Videos
    • Deeper Christian Podcast
    • Bible Study Series in Ephesians
    • NRJohnson Sermon Podcast
  • Classic Quotes
  • Events
    • Speaking + Preaching
    • Israel Bible Study Tour
    • Discipleship Training
Grow Spiritually

Whatever.

NRJohnson Musing • July 21, 2018

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

Filed Under: NRJohnson Musings

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, deeperChristian will receive an affiliate commission (with no additional cost to you). It is a great way to support the work and ministry of deeperChristian. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Footer

Key Content

  • Learn How to Grow Spiritually
  • The Blog (Articles)
  • Deeper Christian Podcast
  • Bible Study Series in Ephesians
  • How to Study the Bible
  • Classic Christian Quotes
  • Monthly Book Giveaway
  • Recommended Reading
  • Recommended Bible Resources
  • Contact

Learn More

  • About Deeper Christian
  • About NRJohnson
  • Speaking + Preaching
  • What I’m Reading …
  • Israel Study Tours
  • Statement of Faith
  • Copyright • Permissions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Donate

Many Christians feel frustrated because they don’t grow spiritually. We equip Christians to understand the Word of God and cultivate a passionate love for Jesus that turns the world upside down.

This ministry is maintained by the Lord through the stewardship of those who value it.

Copyright © 2023 deeperChristian.
All rights reserved.