Whatever You Do

by HJS

Four times in the Bible you find the phrase "whatever you do" and what follows emphasizes a relationship between you and God. The first is "Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed" (Proverbs 16:3). In this same context, the writer says that you may have a plan but God determines what happens. That first "whatever you do" forges a link between your efforts, God and success.

The second whatever you do is found in Paul's letter to the Corinthians where he wrote, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Paul's advice to these new converts who had grown up in a morally perverse society: Whatever you do, whether it is what you say or what your actions are, strive to glorify God - not yourself. When you live a life of integrity, your example is going to run counter to your culture.

When Paul wrote to the Colossians, whose city was an old but fading commercial center, he used that whatever you do expression twice (Colossians 3:17; 3:23). He first urged them to do whatever they did in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and to give thanks to Him no matter what the result. Then he reminded them that they were really working for God - not an employer.

Whatever you do includes everything you do - nothing exempted. Sloppy work is no credit to those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. The Bible makes it clear that whatever you do is a reflection on Him who called you to serve Him, and when you do less than your best, you dishonor your Father in heaven.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.   PROVERBS 16:3