Significant Whatevers!

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.

Do what it says.

James 1:22

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8). This is a verse that I have memorized and quoted often. As I was reading in my Bible today, I noticed another “whatever” that follows this verse: Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice (Philippians 4:9).

Now that is some “whatever!” Could I confidently tell someone else to put into practice whatever they have heard from me or seen in me? I think not! This verse has caused me to stop and think: What am I teaching others with my words? And even more important, what am I teaching other with my actions? A variant of a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson says, “What you do speaks so loudly, that I cannot hear what you say.” In summary, every word we speak and everything we do matters!

The apostle Paul could confidently tell the Philippians to put into practice what they had heard from him or seen in him. Paul knew the words he had penned were not just great ideas or his own lofty thoughts. They were the inspired, life-changing words of God.

Though Paul was a sinner just like you and me (see Romans 7), he was a man set apart. He was surrendered to God and he allowed the Holy Spirit to move in and through him. His actions impacted others and drew them to Jesus.

You and I can be confident that as our words and actions align with those of God, we will be used by God to impact others. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17).

Lord, align my thoughts, words, and deeds with Yours. Make my words and actions count for that which is eternal.

Jan Burkhart