Jesus taught his disciples to put the right value on things. And he made it clear that one should not value anything more highly than their own soul.
Whatever a person needs to sacrifice to gain their soul, Jesus said, they would be well-advised to give it up willingly.
Even if someone could promise you that he could deliver on your fondest wishes.
Even if someone could promise you the winning Powerball ticket.
Even if someone could promise you the person of your dreams, the mansion of your wildest imagination, the fulfillment of your greatest vision.
Even if you could gain the whole world.
Let it go. It would be far, far better to hold tightly to your soul. Don’t ever forfeit that.
Not for money, not for power, not for the most gorgeous woman or the most understanding man. Not for fast cars, sex, drugs or rock and roll.
Just don’t do it.
Because your soul is the single most valuable thing you possess. And Jesus died to redeem it from sin, death and hell. He paid a precious price for that soul.
And he wants you to keep your soul for eternity.
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mark 8:36-37, NIV).
Lord, thank you for giving me an eternal soul. Help me to value my soul above all things, and be willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of my soul. Thank you for sacrificing your life for my soul, for bleeding and dying on the cross as the payment for my soul. Help me to cling to faith in you for the salvation of my soul.
Our Bible reading for Wednesday, February 25, is Exodus 37:1 – 38:31, Mark 8:14 – 9:1 and Proverbs 6:1-11.
Header image based on "Light of Soul" by odysseus-Studio, CC By-SA 2.0
pastorjeffgunn 
Our Bible reading for Wednesday, February 25, is Exodus 37:1 – 38:31, Mark 8:14 – 9:1 and Proverbs 6:1-11.
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” (Mark 8:29 NIV)
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Mark 8:33 NIV)
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 8:35-36 NIV)
Heavenly Father, you alone are my Lord and Savior. Please help to let no one but you rule my heart, my soul. Help me to remain steadfast in my battle with the enemy. Help me to focus on you and forget the noise of the world. The world you created is an amazing place. It’s filled with blessings and love. It’s also filled with trials and tribulations. I so look forward to your promise of heaven. A place where there is only peace. Thank you Jesus! It’s my faith in you that makes all things possible.
And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” (Mark 9:1 NIV)
~Paul Montenieri
LikeLike