The word “whatever” is often used in our cultural conversations to dismiss or belittle what someone else says. A crass, rude way of saying “What you think has no merit”!  It can also denote indecision, either the inability to make a choice or the mindset of “it doesn’t really matter”.  When asked to comment upon whether an action, that someone else or themselves are involved in is right or wrong, a majority of Christians’ response would be “Whatever, it doesn’t concern me, it’s their life”, or “Whatever, … you can’t judge me.”

The failure to decide on what’s right or wrong, no matter who is doing it, is a severe problem that has permeated Western Christianity, driven strongly by the “whatever” in our lives.

“I probably shouldn’t watch this, but whatever, all my friends do.” “I probably shouldn’t do this, but whatever, it makes me feel better.” “I probably should read God’s word more and get more involved in Church, but whatever, I just don’t have the time.”

As Christians, we are called to make different “Whatever” decisions. Instead of being indecisive about what is right or wrong, we are called to be decisive about these things. So how can we ensure that we make the right decision?  By first deciding to think about things, actions that please God, which will guard our hearts and minds.

  Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8,

“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.”