Anticipate :: Devo #10

Whatever
“Whatever.” Today, a word indicating indifference or scorn for something. I’m not listening; I don’t care; whatever. But there is more to this whatever. It is also a big, all inclusive word. Look at Colossians 3:17. What are the things that we should take care to do well, in the name of Jesus, giving thanks all the while? Whatever. Not the contemporary whatever, the “everything, all the time” whatever. No exceptions.

The writer of the lesson this week says, “I challenge you to do whatever is set before you and to do whatever is asked of you.” We may think we know what these things will be. We are, after all, making plans, getting ready for travel, work, programs, devotions. Whatever. But even now we see the uncertainty that is the reality. A tropical storm damaging the camp building, William moving to Puerto Plata, requests for special projects that are just now coming in.

It matters less what we do than that we do whatever in accordance with the admonition to do it “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Then, with the satisfaction of providing this service, whatever this service is, remembering to give thanks to God. Thanks for being able to do what are able, “whether in word or deed,” thanks that His work is being done and thanks that His name is lifted up.

Prayer
Pray for David as he finishes up work in Costa Rica, travels to Mississippi for a brief respite then moves on for the busy team visit season in the Dominican Republic. And pray that we all may embrace the “whatever” with the an attitude that is just the opposite of the contemporary expression of indifference, rather with concern, enthusiasm and desire to bring thanks to God.