“What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” – Mark 8:36 (NKJV)
It is always amusing when a child is presented with an option to choose between a piece of cookie and a $100 bill, and the child picks the item of lesser value – the cookie.
The ability to discern value is a true test of maturity. Hence, one of the greatest preparations in discipleship and evangelism is understanding and knowing a soul’s worth.
We can estimate the worth of a soul by the resounding comparison that Jesus Christ made when he asked, rhetorically, “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). In other words, all the desirable things in the world will not be worth exchanging for a person’s soul which is of an eternal value.
Interestingly, the value of your soul can also be measured by the devil’s interest in it. The devil, whom Jesus called the prince of this world (John 14:30), was willing to give all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour just to get Jesus to bow and worship him (Matthew 4:8). The devil desires the human soul so much that if your soul is up for sale, he is willing to pay any price for it.
It is often a wonder what outrageous things the devil demands of people in exchange for wealth, fame and power. Indeed, the idea of the devil is never about the things demanded of themselves, but about control and getting people to do just about anything.
To keep your soul, there are some things you must be willing to lose including opportunities, relationships, etc (Colossians 3:5); likewise, there are some things you cannot afford to compromise on, such as your relationship with God, your values and integrity, your family, the pursuit of God’s will. Therefore, we must build convictions to never pursue anything at the cost of what truly matters – a relationship with Christ.
Lastly, the value of your soul is measured by God’s concern for saving it. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8) because He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). One soul is so important, to the extent that there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10).
Knowing your soul’s worth ignites discipline in following God and urgency to share the Gospel – saving souls is essential!
Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 22: 23- 46