Whatever

 

1965 – The Who – My Generation

This year also represents the beginning of a new generation: Generation X – 1965-1980

1965 also gives us one of the earliest examples of a change in the way people use the word – “whatever.”

This change was so important that Gen-X is also called the “Whatever Generation.”

Whatever began to be used is a cynical dismissive way. “If you don’t do your chores, you can’t take the car tonight.” “Whatever!” “I don’t like your attitude mister!” “Whatever!”

It became a way to say, “I don’t care what you think.”

It became extremely cynical.

Politicians lie, cheat, and don’t take care of their constituents – “Whatever!”

Argument with a friend – “Whatever!”

Rain on your wedding day? Ironic? – Whatever!

Bad things happen, there’s nothing you can do about it! – Whatever!

In Philippians 4:8, St. Paul uses this word in its proper sense – Whatever: meaning anything or everything!

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.

Anything and everything true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise – think about these things.

It’s an interesting idea about what we fill our heads with! Are these the things we usually think about?

Worries, troubles, what’s wrong with the world, … more like Gen-X’s “Whatever!”

Why would Paul urge us to focus our thoughts on these things? To ponder them? To meditate upon them?

It is a recognition that all that is true and honorable and just and lovely etc. comes from God. James says every good and perfect gift come from down to us from our heavenly Father.

Thinking about these things shapes us, and Paul wants us to imitate them – to live this way.

But this is not an easy task! It is good for us to fill our minds with whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise – but it isn’t easy.

Whatever is true? – Gaslighting, A.I., but Jesus is the truth – Cross

Whatever is honorable? – Age of Disrespect, F-Biden/Trump – Those who seek first the Kingdom of God and righteousness

Whatever is just? – Political corruption – Justification by Faith

Whatever is pure? – Sinless?

Whatever is lovely? – Redemption story.

Whatever is commendable? – Praiseworthy – not necessarily praiseworthy in the world’s eyes, praised by God! (Love, joy, peace, patience, mercy, hope, kindness)

Whatever is excellent? – word indicates character

Whatever is worthy of praise – Creation, Redemption, Salvation, Light in the dark, faith, Courage to live for Christ.

Whatever … think about these things.

We use that word another way – at any cost, “Whatever it takes.”

This is our story – God did whatever it took to save us

Incarnation – Jesus’ ministry – miracles – parables – preaching – suffering – dying – rising – All for you!

Drives us to seek God’s kingdom – Whatever

Devil will accuse – Whatever!

World will mistreat – Whatever!

Flesh will resist – Whatever!

Saved by Jesus from whatever we have done, called to whatever God’s plan is, with us whatever happens. Whatever shall we do with such a blessing – such good news? Share it – support it – live for it. Because it is worth it whatever comes our what because Jesus did whatever – as in everything – that was necessary to give you and me a new life, hope, and a future. Amen.