“The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?” – Jeremiah 5:31
Jeremiah records one of the most penetrating questions in all of Scripture. Judah was enjoying a season of prosperity. The economy was stable, life seemed comfortable, and judgment appeared far away. Because God had not yet intervened, the people assumed He approved of their lifestyle. But God’s silence was not His approval. It was His patience. The people mistook His mercy for permission and His longsuffering for acceptance.
The tragedy was made worse by leaders who encouraged the deception. The prophets spoke what people wanted to hear rather than what God had actually said. The priests exercised authority for their own purposes, and the people welcomed it because it allowed them to continue living as they pleased. There was just enough religion to soothe their consciences, but not enough truth to change their hearts. God’s goodness was never intended to make them comfortable in sin. It was meant to lead them to repentance. Instead of turning back to Him, they continued down a path that would eventually bring devastating consequences.
The same danger exists today. It is possible to mistake God’s patience for His approval. It is possible to ignore His conviction because judgment has not yet come. Yet the question remains as relevant now as it was in Jeremiah’s day: “What will you do in the end?” When life is over, when eternity stands before us, what will matter? Not our excuses, not our successes, not the opinions of others. What will matter is whether we responded to God’s invitation to return to Him.
Is there something the Lord has been speaking to your heart about? A sin to forsake, an attitude to surrender, a step of obedience you’ve been delaying? Don’t confuse God’s patience with His approval. His kindness is calling you back to Himself. Consider where the road you’re on ultimately leads and ask yourself honestly: What will I do in the end? Today is the day to turn fully to Christ and walk in His ways.
“Consider not only what your sin deserves, but where it will end if it is not forsaken.”
— John Owen
