So What?

As we dive into the next concept to strengthen our approach when studying the Bible we come to a small, yet powerful question that can have a tremendous impact on our spiritual growth.

This question challenges us to pause and reflect on the relevance and meaning of what we’ve just read. Simply stated it’s not enough to know what happened; we must ask why it matters.

This makes me think about what we call our “budget review meeting” my wife and I have each month. For years we have created a budget for the month and when it comes to an end we sit down to review how we did. The process starts with our first question of this study, “What Happened." That consists of bank account audits to ensure the data we are looking at is accurate.

It can be a painful process as no penny goes unaccounted for to ensure we have a clear understanding of all transactions for that period. From there, we begin asking the questions to probe deeper. Why were we over in groceries or how did the fuel expense come in under what we planned and quite often, how did we forget to allocate for his/her birthday expenses? The “So What” portion of our time is when we take the time to understand a deeper context of what happened to increase our awareness, understanding, and ability to make informed adjustments moving forward.

Quite frankly, the time of reflection and analysis is the hardest part of the entire process because it takes intentionality and effort to complete. We could skip this and go straight to planning the next month, but if we did that we would miss what the past experiences were teaching us and that leaves us vulnerable to making the same mistakes again.

When studying Scripture, I’ve found it tempting to read simply for the sake of reading and never truly putting in the work to think deeply about the given context or asking God for insight. Usually, it is because time restraints exist or I’m being lazy and not wanting to put in the effort. I’m sharing this level of transparency to let those who may be feeling the same way know you are not alone.

Forcing myself to ask the question “So What?” unlocks a deeper level of engagement with Scripture, turning routine reading into a transformative experience. It’s in this space of reflection that God often reveals His heart, His will, and the direction He desires for us to see. By pausing to understand deeper contexts of scripture, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide us toward true growth.

Over time, this practice doesn’t just enhance how we study the Bible—it shapes how we live, think, and respond to the challenges and blessings of life. When we lean into the effort required to ask “So What?” consistently, we cultivate a habit of spiritual growth that not only impacts us, but also equips us to encourage and lead others in their journey. The question isn’t just about what the text says, but how God is using it to mold us into who He’s called us to be. And that makes the effort entirely worth it.

Questions to Consider

1. How could asking “So What” deepen your understanding of God’s purpose for your life?
2. What barriers exist that prohibit taking extended time to reflect on His Word? What can you do to remove them?