Sept. 6, 2009
Background Scripture: Joshua 1
Devotional Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-6

There is a one-word reply much in use today, particularly but not exclusively by young people, that I find troubling. Not that there is nothing inherently wrong with the word – “whatever” – but it is the indifferent, detached, self-absorbed and dismissive manner in which it is often voiced in today’s world.

It appears to mean, “I don’t care about that!” Or, “I don’t want to think about that!” It may even mean, “I don’t know what you’re talking about and don’t want to know, because it has nothing to do with me!”

But, if this “whatever” is particularly indicative of our younger generation, it is an expression of self-seeking and self-absorption that can be found worldwide and in all generations.

Although it has been with us since our beginnings, this trait seems to have become even more widespread and deeper than before.
One reason the Christian churches are diminishing alarmingly in North America, the United Kingdom and Europe is the growing attitude that one can be at best “religious” or at worst “OK” without a church and other people.

A failed god

We live in an age that is well described as “every person for him- or herself.” We not only tolerate selfishness, but we have deified it and our economy is founded on the principle that society is best served when people are given the freedom to pursue their selfish interests unimpeded by restraints.

Our current economic crisis was occasioned by this reverential deference to The Market, which many of us are now recognizing as “the god that failed.” Even Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, acknowledged that he had made a mistake in depending upon the beneficence of greed.

God did not appreciate the concept of unimpeded self-interest, for His approach was essentially to the whole people of Israel, rather than individuals going it alone. He used Joshua, to lead, but his focus was upon the whole people of Israel to claim their inheritance.

To the tribes of Israel it was an unsettling challenge. I’m sure there were those who wanted to say, “No way, Yahweh!”

Up to this point the story is pretty much ancient history, but now it becomes our story as well. For what God said to them, He also says to us as He calls us to be His people in the world today: “… as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail or forsake you.” (Josh. 1:5).

To follow Christ in this world is daunting, but we can do it because God promises to be with us.

Strong vs. tough

Of course, His promise to the Israelites and us depends upon three conditions. First, we must be strong (1:7), finding the source of our strength not in ourselves, but in His promise.

Note, they and we are called to be “strong,” not “tough.”
Our society has elevated “toughness” to the pinnacle of personal and group attributes. But, to be “strong,” we are called to be wise and faithful rather than ruthless. Jesus was strong, but not “tough” as the world understands it today.

The second condition was that they and we should turn not “to the right or to the left” (1:7-8). In other words, be loyal to and do not turn from the course to which you have been called. I’ve forgotten who it was who said, “Many searchers for truth find something else and give up the search.”

The third condition: “… be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (1:9).

Fix your attention not upon the dangers on the way, but upon the one who walks beside you wherever you go.

So, when God calls us to do His will, be assured that He will be with us wherever we go. Instead of the dismissive “whatever,” we can reply, “Yes, Lord, wherever …!”

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Rev. Althouse may write to him in care of this publication.