"What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" (Matthew 16:26)
If we take this verse at face value, and we should, we learn here that “the value of a soul” is worth more than “the whole world.” Yet many people are using all their time, talents and energy to accumulate wealth and possessions and they place no value whatsoever on their soul.
It has been said that there are only two things that last: the Word of God and the souls of men. This is because, like God’s Word, the soul is an imperishable thing.
Imagine that you could own every possession on earth and ask yourself, would you be satisfied? We see it all the time in the media; the richest celebrities are still not content with all the wealth they have. Why is that? Without Christ, the condition of our souls is lost and we cannot find satisfaction in the temporary things of this world.
Who owns your life? This is a defining question for the disciple of Jesus. He not only wants to be our Savior, he wants to be our Lord.
Jesus must be our single pursuit. Nothing matters more than Jesus. Nothing is of greater value. Nothing is of higher worth.
We seek after the things this world offers thinking it will satisfy, thinking they will make us happy, but it only produces more seeking and more searching. In the end it leaves us empty.
But when we seek Jesus we find everything we need. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 - “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
The longing of your heart will only be met in Christ. It’s in Jesus that your emptiness is filled. It’s in Jesus that you despair turns to hope. It’s in our Savior that our hunger is satisfied.
Why would we seek after all this world has to offer only to lose our soul? It’s a tragedy and it describes the life so many are living today.
I suppose it all comes down to what we love. Because what we love, that’s what we seek after. When we are in love with Jesus we are captivated and motivated by this love. Experiencing the love of Jesus has changed everything in our lives. It changes our desires, our pursuits, and our goals and ambitions. It’s here that God’s will become our will.
Today’s Challenge: In prayer, examine your life. Ask God to reveal what you have been living for. Is Christ your passion? Is Jesus your first-love. Allow God’s Spirit to speak to your heart and respond accordingly.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is the soul so valuable?
- Why do you think people ignore the value of the soul?
- Describe how Jesus satisfies our deepest desires and longings.
Recommended Resource: Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
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