Matthew 16:24-26
Jesus teaches in several places about the cost of discipleship and the true value of one’s life or soul. Most of us remember His words: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?...” Sometimes we read “the whole world” and might have a difficult time relating to the enormity of such a concept. Few of us deal in “whole world” aspirations. Perhaps if we downsize the thought and bring it closer home it will make a more heart-felt impact.
What good is it ... if a man works hard all his life, owns his own home and has a comfortable retirement and loses his soul?
What good is it ... if a man puts all of his children through college, and they have good jobs and own their own home and are happy in their marriages, and they lose their souls?
What good is it ... if a woman earns a PhD and reaches into the top echelon of her field of study and becomes the department head at a prestigious university, and she loses her soul?
What good is it ... if a man prospers enough to buy the best bass boat on the market, is able to go fishing three or four times a week, catches a state record large-mouth bass and loses his soul?
What good is it ... if a woman obtains a job with a major non-profit organization, is able to accomplish unprecedented fund-raising and help many people in poverty, and loses her soul?
What good is it ... if a man owns his own business which employs many people, and he is able to generate multi-million dollar income and have all the perks of being one of the “big wheels” in the business world and loses his soul?
What good is it ... if a couple is happy in their marriage, raise good kids, do some volunteer work in their community and are known for being “the nicest couple” and lose their souls?
What good is it ... if a person is able to have whatever they want, do whatever they want, go wherever they want, and lose their soul?
What good is it ... ?
><> Jeff
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