Whatever, whatever You say
Whatever, I will obey
Whatever, lord have Your way
‘Cause You are my God whatever*

Being people after God’s own heart has a much higher requirement than coasting through life. It takes determination and tenacity. We do need to take time to rest and to play, but the tendency is to take them too far. Jesus knew this about us and here’s what He had to say,

¹⁰ “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. Luke 16:10 ESV

Here it is in the New Living Translation,

¹⁰ “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10 NLT

We must choose to be faithful in the little things so that we are trained to do the big things when they come along. Here’s how it works:

1. We give ourselves to the Lord for the day;
2. We ask Him to show us needs to meet, tasks to do, and people to minister to;
3. We look for opportunities to meet, do and minister to;
4. As the opportunities arise, we ask the Lord to guide and equip us.

Brother Lawrence** would tell us that the smaller the task, the dirtier, nastier, and contemptible the job, the more glory God gets from our service. Why? Because we really don’t want to do them, either! But, they need to be done, so we do them with a happy heart and joyful spirit knowing that the Lord is receiving much glory because of our obedience. These are the words we are hoping to hear:

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:21

When we put it all on the altar, our desires, wishes, and feelings, we are truly choosing to serve only one Master, the Lord Jesus. Let’s do it daily and work to keep them there.

Abba, You know how childish and selfish we can be. Help us learn to do the right thing at the right time with the right spirit. “Selective service” is not part of our calling. We need to be ready to do Whatever***. Amen.

*Refrain to “Whatever” by Steven Curtis Chapman

**Brother Lawrence-Lawrence is known for his devotion and ability to bring God into every aspect of his life. His classic Christian work, Practice of the Presence of God, details how to gain that constant and comforting connection to God. Readers have treasured this short and easy book for centuries because of Lawrence’s honest advice and his obvious passion for spiritual matters. He rejoiced in everyday tasks, prayed constantly, and was known around the monastery for his kindness and willingness to help others.

***Lyrics to “Whatever”
I made a list wrote down from A to Z
All the ways I thought that you could best use me
Told all my strengths and my abilities
I formed a plan it seemed to make good sense
I laid it out for you so sure you’d be convinced
I made my case presented my defense
But then I read the letter that you sent me
It said that all you really want from me is just

Whatever whatever you say
Whatever I will obey
Whatever lord have your way
‘Cause you are my god whatever

So strike a match set fire to the list
Of all my good intentions all my preconceived ideas
I want to do your will no matter what it is
Give me faith to follow where you lead me
Oh lord give me the courage and the strength to do (refrain)

I am not my own
I am yours and yours alone
You have bought me with your blood
Lord to you and you alone do I belong
And so whatever