Mark 8:36–37
“For what will 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?”
The human soul is of immeasurable worth because it is created by God and destined for eternity. It represents the innermost person, our identity, thoughts, emotions, and moral consciousness. The physical body we see is merely the earthly vessel that houses the person within.
Our bodies are temporary and will eventually return to the dust of the earth. But our earthly possessions, achievements, wealth, and status cannot secure the destiny of our souls. As Paul declares:
“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8
Our earthly lives are brief, and everything we accumulate here will ultimately lose its value in the face of eternity. What matters most is our eternal destiny and whether we are prepared to meet the Lord. Eternity has no end, and nothing we possess can be exchanged for the human soul.
Jesus challenges us to examine our priorities. What is the value of gaining the whole world if, in the process, we lose our souls? No amount of wealth, power, fame, or earthly achievement can compensate for such a loss.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to understand the brevity of life and the immeasurable worth of my soul. Teach me to live wisely, to set my priorities right, and to prepare faithfully for my eternal home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Michael Jolayemi is the author of:
- Saving America: The war we can’t ignore
- Sheltered Through the Storm: The Travails and Ultimate Triumph of the Church
- The Mysteries of God, the Origin We Don’t Know, the Eternity We Should Believe
- Watch out for his next book – Defying Death – How to Live and Not Die
- Defying Death: How to Live and Not Die (Just Released)
