Whatever!

 

All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:23-31 ESV).

 

We’ve all heard it at one time or another. It is the slang use of “whatever.” According to WikiDictionary, whatever is a slang term meaning "whatever you say”, "I don't care what you say" or "what will be will be". The term is used either to dismiss a previous statement and express indifference or in affirmation of a previous statement as "whatever will be will be". It’s usually accompanied by the roll of the eyes and a smirk. I’m not a fan, especially when it is the response of a child who has decided that my instructions are not worth their time or compliance. And, my response is usually direct and pointed.

 

In our reading today we see the Apostle Paul use this word in a different context. In his discussion on Christian freedom, the apostle Paul touches on some important principles for following Jesus. While emphasizing our personal freedom in Christ, he urges that we respect where others are in their spiritual maturity. Embedded in this discussion is the most important principle for Christian living: in everything we do, we are to live for God’s glory. “Whatever” we do, it should be done bringing glory to God.

 

The Westminster Shorter Cate­chism lays out this lasting principle using the question “What is the chief end of man?” And it answers with a timeless, bedrock declaration: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” Though we have all been created to glorify God, because of our sin and rebellion against him we live only to glorify and enjoy ourselves. And the ­tyranny of self-glorification brings us no enjoyment, just unending misery. But, praise God, when we’ve been saved by grace through faith, the Holy Spirit begins to reorient our lives, nudging, prompting, stirring us to live not for ourselves but for God. And as we grow in glorifying our Lord and Savior, we discover our true, lasting joy and purpose in God alone.

 

So… whatever you do today—from the most mundane chore to making the most weighty decision—do it all for God’s glory.