Let’s look at this phase from the gospel of Matthew. “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew16:26) The two questions in this verse must be answered by every individual, not only in the context of what they say but also in the context of how they live. If you say with your mouth “I follow Jesus” but you spend all your time chasing the things of the world, you are deceiving yourself and devaluing your soul. Your eternal soul is worth more than you can calculate by human standards! The sinless Son of God testified with His blood to the value of your soul. He came and gave His life willingly to pay your debt and win your soul, but only if you accept His free gift. The enemy, Satan, will try everything to distract us from pursuing a relationship with the Lord Jesus. Scripture tells us to, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through vain philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). If you are a Christian and you begin to get caught up in worldly things, you will be miserable because God will chase after you with conviction and discipline. If you’re not saved, you are condemned already; 1 Corinthians 11:32 says, “But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.” You can chase riches, power, and success at the cost of your eternal soul, or you can accept the gift of grace and pursue Christlikeness, holiness, and humility in service…and you will receive a crown of life. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). Your soul means everything to Jesus, so give it to Him!
