Whatever is meant to happen will happen is fatalistic in that they have given up and have no control. I will do whatever it takes, which shows a person’s genuine desire to accomplish something. Whatever is going to happen next is sarcastic. Whatever can express resentment or anger. Whatever can show an attitude that does not care. Whatever in this world, ask humorously to explain the unexpected. The term “whatever” can be offensive, impolite, or it can be considered an affirmative response. More time than not, in today’s society, the term is a rude expression of indifference. A word to get rid of having to participate in a conversation. It can be another way of saying I don’t care.
People can be so focused on a task that they lose sight of what they are trying to accomplish. Constantly trying to get things done takes a lot of energy; at some point, you do not have the energy to care. “The next time someone says “whatever” to you, consider the following: their brains may be depleted, they don’t see the situation for what it is, or they are wrapped up in their own cocoons, unable to feel connected to the world. If this someone happens to be you, remember to build unfocus times into your day. Not only will it help you focus better, but it will connect you to the world and help you feel included in a way that will enhance your meaning and purpose in life.” (Pillay, 2017)
How often have you heard someone answer with a smart “whatever?” And we all know our first instinct but reframe from responding negatively. The attitude being displayed is often worse than the actual word being used. Over the years, the attitude and expression have gone unchallenged and are now accepted. But not appreciated by many adults. It seems that if the listener does not care, the smart mouth stating whatever shouldn’t care either. In other words, “Whatever.”
Maybe we should all step back for a moment, examine our attitude, and try to defend ourselves from frustrations and disappointment when a “whatever” situation arises. Is it possible for us to turn the situation around and ask God to intervene and let us see “whatever” could happen if we put our trust in Him? The Apostle Paul wrote thirteen books of the Bible. It could be said that Paul had an attitude when using the phrase “whatever.” But Paul was not being bold or impartial. Paul showed us that his attitude could be positive, even using a negative term. Consider the following phrases in Paul’s writing. “Whatever happens, we belong to the Lord. – Romans 14:8. Whatever is not of faith is sin. – Roman 14:23. Whatever the Bible says was written for our good so that we might have hope. – Romans 15:4. Whatever else claims to be a god, I know that there is one true God who created all things. – I Corinthians 8:5-6. Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. – I Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17. Whatever your background, race, gender, or status, Jesus saves! – I Corinthians 12:13. Whatever else may let you down, remember love never fails. – I Corinthians 13:8. Whatever life throws your way, remember it’s for your good. – II Corinthians 1:6. Whatever happens to my life, I know I am accepted by God. – II Corinthians 5:9. Whatever I do for Christ is noticed. – II Corinthians 5:10. Whatever anyone else may say, I will not betray my friends. – II Corinthians 8:23. Whatever a man sows, that’s what he’ll reap. – Galatians 6:7. Whatever good a man does, the same shall he receive from the Lord. – Ephesians 6:8. Whatever the cost, I will preach Jesus. – Philippians 1:18,20. Whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8. Whatever happens, I will be content. – Philippians 4:11. Whatever exists was created by God and for God. – Colossians 1:16. Whatever you do, do your best and do it for the Lord. – Colossians 3:23. Whatever happens to this body before Christ returns, I am confident I will live with him for eternity. – I Thessalonians 5:10”. (Rongione, 2016) Saying “whatever” in faith puts a whole new spin on the meaning and how the word can show a victory instead of a defeat.
This shows that how we exhibit our attitude controls everything we are involved with. A good attitude usually paves the way to good results; positive thinking always ends with good results. Remember, Matthew 12:35 suggest that good things come from the good actions of a good man. This “good” described here refers to the man’s good attitude.
With that in mind, we can adjust our attitudes and do well or not……you know…….Whatever.
Pillay, S. (2017, 7 3). Psychology Today. Retrieved from The Psychology and Brain Biology of “Whatever”: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/debunking-myths-the-mind/201707/the-psychology-and-brain-biology-whatever
Rongione, D. (2016, 3 9). The Bottom Line. Retrieved from Do You Have a “Whatever” Attitude?: https://www.tblfaithnews.com/faith-religion/do-you-have-a-whatever-attitude