Matthew 16:26 AMP
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, success], but forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Various things matter most to people at different stages of life. Regardless of one’s background or belief, one thing remains true: where your soul will spend eternity matters more than anything in this life, especially when you are about to breathe your last breath. The wealth, fame, success, and medals, among others, all become valueless at that moment. Jesus once asked a serious question, saying, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, success], but forfeits his soul?” as in our reference text. Does that mean that Jesus is against those things? Certainly not. However, it appears that to Christ, it is a matter of attaching priority and importance to where it is deserved.
By all standards, the human life (soul) is more precious than anything else in this world. When God breathed into man “the breath of life” (Gen 2:7), it was a divine infusion of a supernatural component into man. It is partly the reason God sent His precious Son Jesus Christ to die for the forgiveness of sins and salvation of mankind (Joh 3:16). How then do we NOT lose our souls into eternal destruction? The Psalmist showed us how by saying, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him” (Psa 62:1 NIV). The Word also says, “Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone” (Act 4:12 CEV). Hallelujah!
Yes, from God comes the salvation of our souls. On the other hand, God is also the only “…One who can destroy both soul and body [that sins] in hell” (Mat 10:28 NIV). Therefore, the only assurance of not losing our souls to eternal destruction is by receiving the salvation God has provided in Jesus Christ. Remember, there is nothing we can ever give in exchange for our souls; nothing else is valuable enough. Let us, therefore, continually submit to the Lordship of Christ Jesus, and tell others of this “great salvation” (Heb 2:3 KJV). For Christ alone is the Saviour and Bishop (Shepherd) of our souls (1 Pet 2:25). To Him be all the glory!
Pst. Emmanuel