Luke 9:25(KJV)
For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
It is definite that when we do not know what matters most in life, we will be wasting our lives on the wrong pursuit. We also understand that sinful desires are the foundation for our destruction. Jesus said to His disciples the wealth of the entire world is nothing compared to the worth of a saved soul. If we view the value of our soul from God’s view and not our own, we will better understand the correct value of our soul and why we must not exchange it for the world and all its pleasures. To gain the whole world is to receive anything this world has to offer that we deem would make our lives better—money, fame, pleasure, power, prestige, etc. And to lose our soul, in the sense of Jesus’ Words, is to spend an eternity away from God. In 1949 Jim Elliot wrote, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep for what he cannot lose.” Christians should not store up treasures on earth. It is senseless to gain the whole world and forfeit our souls. If we live our lives trying to bring fulfillment to ourselves and achievement that brings honor to only us, we will lose everything of eternal value.
All decisions in life come with a price and a sacrifice. It is easy to say we are sold out to God while giving away bits and pieces of our souls to the world. Many have given their souls to the devil, all for fame and material things, which have no value. Shockingly, we have some pastors who find themselves in this category. However, knowing and doing what matters most in life is very crucial. Nehemiah 9:6 says, “Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” It is also written in Matthew 6:33 to seek the Kingdom of God first and its righteousness. God is the self-existent and independent Being, and there is none beside Him. He created Heaven, Earth, and everything therein. God did not just put us on the earth and say we are on our own and hope we make it. He created us for fellowship with Him. He wants us to choose Him over anything else this world can offer. We need not settle for second best. We are to look to God, the Creator of the universe. He is good and has a good plan for our lives. He created us for a purpose and gifted us with talents to achieve it. As believers, let us lay aside this world, which we will lose anyway, and take up our cross and follow Him. All we take into the next life is our relationship with Jesus and those who love Him. So, pursue not what is insignificant, inconsequential, and ultimately perishable.
Beloved, it is vital to focus on the things that matter most in life, for there is no compromise without cost and no sinful pleasure without a consequence, both in time and eternity. Don’t sacrifice your soul for riches and fame. Be committed to God and refuse to serve the devil as an option to serve God in the face of the trials and challenges of life. Turn down every invitation to sin or compromise. Know that it is not about what others are doing, it is not about what will make the path simple, or it is not about what is politically correct or socially acceptable. It is all about God and His Plan for your life. When you have done your best, stand and believe that God will take care of the rest. Even if He does not…, you will do what is right; you will find that God always does what is best for you. Let your problems be an opportunity for you to see God and experience what He can do! You can face any problem with clear-headedness, faith, and courage when you believe God’s goodness waits for you on the other side of whatever fire you face. Take a stand for God, and He who has the power to do all things is wise enough to do what is best for your life. He is more than able! Repent now, for there is nothing like purgatory. The soul that sins shall die(Ezekiel 18:20). Hell is real. If you have never turned to God, call on Him today. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you and show you His ways so that you can walk with Him and know Him all the days of your life! May your security in Christ lead you to take risks. Follow His call to take the Gospel all over the world. Remember, wealth without God is nakedness in the spirit, and only Jesus Christ can satisfy; the devil and no one else can.
O Lord, deliver me from anything that wants to hinder me from spending eternity with You in the Name of Jesus.