The Question We Never Ask

Text: Jeremiah 8:6

“I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. None of them repent of their wickedness, saying, ‘What have I done?’ Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle.”

In our fast-paced, often self-centered lives, we rarely stop to ask the crucial question: “What have I done?” Jeremiah 8:6 captures God’s lament over His people’s failure to reflect on their actions and turn from their ways. This question isn’t just about past deeds; it’s about our ongoing relationship with God, Jesus Christ, His Church, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, prayer, our finances, soul-winning efforts, and God’s warnings. Today, let’s explore these areas with honesty and introspection.

What Have I Done With Jesus Christ?

Pilate’s haunting question, “What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22), resonates deeply today. As sinners, we often trample His blood underfoot, ignoring the sacrifice He made on our behalf. Hebrews 10:29 warns us of the severe consequences of such disregard. For those seeking, it is crucial to realize that ignoring Jesus means missing out on the salvation He offers. The Bible is clear that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Therefore, it is essential to confront this question head-on and decide to embrace Him fully.

For Christians, the question shifts slightly: “What have you done with Jesus?” It’s easy to claim belief but fail to live out that belief in our daily lives. We are called to bear witness to His love and truth in our actions and words. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God’s will.” Are we living in a way that reflects Jesus’ teachings and His transformative power? This question challenges us to examine our lives and realign them with His mission and message.

What Have I Done With His Church?

The Church, described as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), is more than a building; it is the community of believers called to serve God and each other. It is the institution through which we can most effectively worship, serve, and grow. The Church is where we celebrate significant life events, from marriages to funerals, and where the Gospel is preached to bring loved ones to Christ. Hebrews 10:25 urges us not to forsake assembling together, emphasizing the importance of communal worship and support.

Neglecting the Church can have spiritual consequences. As we read in Ephesians 4:16, the Church is where each part of the body supports and strengthens the others. By participating in the life of the Church, we find unity and strength that we cannot achieve alone. Augustine famously noted, “You cannot have God as your Father if you do not have the Church as your Mother.” This illustrates the importance of being an active part of the Church. Serving through the Church is not just about fulfilling a duty; it’s about finding our place in God’s plan and experiencing the fullness of His blessings.

What Have I Done With the Holy Spirit?

God sent the Holy Spirit with a dual purpose: to convict sinners and to empower Christians to bear fruit. In John 16:8, we learn that the Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, drawing people to Christ. For non-believers, this convicting power is crucial for understanding their need for salvation. A.W. Tozer wrote, “The Holy Spirit never enters a man and then lets him live like the world. You can be sure of that.” This underscores the transformative work of the Spirit in drawing us towards Christ.

For believers, the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to produce the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. This fruit—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—marks the life of someone living in step with the Spirit. The Spirit also equips us with spiritual gifts for the edification of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:7). We must ask ourselves if we are yielding to the Spirit’s work in our lives, allowing Him to shape us and use us for God’s purposes.

What Have I Done With the Bible?

In an age of unprecedented access to biblical resources—Sunday Schools, Bible conferences, and classes—it is paradoxical that spiritual ignorance can still be widespread. The Bible is God’s revealed Word, intended to guide, instruct, and transform us. Yet, many of us fail to engage with it meaningfully. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Without regular engagement with Scripture, we risk walking in darkness, missing out on the wisdom and direction God offers.

To combat this spiritual ignorance, we must commit to regular, thoughtful Bible study. As Charles Spurgeon advised, “Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.” This means prioritizing Scripture in our daily lives, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. For both believers and seekers, the Bible offers answers to life’s deepest questions and a path to knowing God more intimately. By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we open ourselves to His transformative power.

What Have I Done About Prayer?

Prayer is our lifeline to God, a direct line of communication with our Creator. John 15:7 promises, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Yet, many neglect this vital practice, missing out on the intimacy and guidance it provides. Martin Luther once said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Prayer sustains our spiritual life, aligning our hearts with God’s will.

Sometimes, God’s answers to our prayers may be “no” or “not yet,” teaching us to trust His wisdom and timing. James 4:3 warns that wrong motives can hinder our prayers, urging us to seek God’s will above our own desires. Prayer is not just about asking for things but also about cultivating a relationship with God, expressing our gratitude, confessing our sins, and seeking His guidance. For both believers and seekers, prayer is a crucial practice that draws us closer to God and aligns our lives with His purposes.

What Have I Done With My Money?

Our approach to money reflects our spiritual priorities. Malachi 3:10 challenges us to bring the full tithe into the storehouse, promising God’s blessings in return. The Church today functions similarly as a storehouse, supporting ministries and meeting needs. When we tithe, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our finances and demonstrate our trust in His provision. Randy Alcorn writes, “When we give, we recognize God as the owner, ourselves as stewards, and others as beneficiaries of what He has entrusted to us.”

Tithing teaches us that God’s economy operates differently from the world’s. By giving, we experience the paradox of generosity—discovering that our resources stretch further when we trust God with our finances. Luke 6:38 assures us that when we give, it will be given to us, “a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.” For both believers and seekers, managing our finances in a way that honors God invites His blessings and aligns our hearts with His purposes.

What Have I Done As a Soul-Winner?

Jesus’ call to His first disciples was clear: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). As Christians, we are commissioned to share the Gospel and lead others to Christ. This requires living lives that reflect the transformative power of the Gospel. Spurgeon remarked, “Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that.” Our concern for the salvation of others is a measure of our spiritual health.

Successful soul-winning starts with personal integrity and a life that testifies to God’s grace. We cannot lead others to Christ if our lives contradict the message we proclaim. For seekers, understanding the importance of sharing the faith highlights the communal aspect of Christianity and the call to be a light in the world. Embracing this mission challenges us to live authentically and purposefully, seeking to draw others into a relationship with Christ.

What Have I Done With God’s Warnings?

Scripture is filled with warnings meant to guide and protect us. Proverbs 27:1 cautions, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Amos 4:12 warns, “Prepare to meet your God.” These verses remind us of life’s uncertainty and the importance of living in a state of readiness and obedience to God. Ignoring these warnings can lead to spiritual peril and missed opportunities to align our lives with God’s will.

God’s warnings are expressions of His love, designed to steer us away from danger and towards a life of holiness and fulfillment. Hebrews 3:15 urges, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” For both believers and seekers, heeding God’s warnings is crucial for spiritual growth and preparedness. By listening to and acting on these divine admonitions, we demonstrate our trust in God’s wisdom and our commitment to following His path.

Jeremiah 8:6 challenges us to reflect deeply on our actions and attitudes in relation to God, Jesus Christ, His Church, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, prayer, our finances, soul-winning, and God’s warnings. Each of these areas represents a vital aspect of our faith journey. As we honestly assess our lives and make necessary adjustments, we open ourselves to the fullness of God’s blessings and align our lives with His purposes. Let us not be like the horse charging into battle without reflection but rather pause to consider, “What have I done?” and allow God to guide us towards a deeper, more faithful walk with Him.