Articles
Important Questions - 5
“For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
Jesus frames a rhetorical question designed to cause men to examine their priorities. Our lives here are so brief when measured against eternity. And the things we work to acquire are not only unstable (moth and rust destroy; thieves steal – Mt 6:20), they are ultimately unfulfilling even if we do manage to gather an abundance.
Jesus is in the midst of explaining the relationship between following Him and self-denial: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (16:24). Many who call themselves Christians seem to think that a religious life consists of fitting Jesus in to their busy schedules. They madly chase after the things of the world, and where it is convenient they may occasionally attend worship or read their Bible.
Jesus will not settle for being merely a facet of our life; He deserves top priority. Most of what men chase is an illusion, but Jesus says, “Suppose you gain it all at the expense of your soul? Will it have been worth it?” Such an offer was made to Him (Mt 4:8-9), and He turned it down. So must we.
