If I say “whatever”, which I do a lot according to my wife, I generally mean it in a slightly dismissive way, or to skip over some trivial point of conversation. What do you want to eat? Whatever. That sort of thing.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Paul’s whatever is much more meaningful. Whatever you do, do it in the name of Jesus. That limits your options quite a bit! As anyone can tell you, I don’t generally like to take verses out of context and memorize them, but this one is pretty close to being a perfect memory verse. Paul reminds us of our prime directive as Christians. Think of Jesus’ pattern for our lives, and actively apply it; or to say it another way:

Whatever, do it for Jesus.

Ethan Kirl