It Is What it Is

Item one: The Dow Jones Index plunged 400 points the day I wrote this. That means our retirement fund that we will some day need (before too long) just lost a chunk of its value.

Item two: I just finished teaching a class of college students about the philosophies at work at the time of Jesus. We looked at Stoicism which taught its adherents to accept whatever comes.

Item three: Last Sunday as we drove to an outdoor church service with a friend we discussed whether certain arrangements had been made considering the threatening weather. I ended my thoughts, quoting New England Patriots’ coach, Bill Belichick, who was often heard to say, “It is what it is.”

When my wife later told me that comment had helped the friend who was with us, it gave me pause. Was this really the best thing for me to say?

According to the Urban Dictionary, this phrase is:  A cliché, popular within the circles of coaches, business execs, and those of us who just want to say "It's happened. I'm going to forget about it. I'm going to move on. There is nothing that can be done about it."

The Dow Jones index fell 400 points today. Ouch! But it is what it is. Gas is $4 a gallon. It is what it is. You didn’t get in that that job you felt you needed. It is what it is. Your doctor just told you that you have cancer. It is what it is.

There is something useful about facing the facts. It is healthy not to regret and bemoan something that has happened and that you cannot change. But, be careful, a biblical worldview involves more than what Stoicism would teach us. “It is what it is,” but whatever it is God can still work in it for those would walk with him.

Focus Scriptures

1 Corinthians 7:21-23

Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you--although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord's freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ's slave. 23You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

Philippians 1:12-13

12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

Romans 8:28-29

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.