“For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what could a person give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
Throughout our lives we’ll often ask the simplest and yet most difficult question: “Is it worth it?” Maybe we ask this question in the middle of a workout, a hard decision, or even a road trip with a car full of people. Knowing the value in the end can help motivate us in the moment, or it can change what we do if we decided it is not worth it at all.
We are constantly investing in things that we think will be “worth it” or valuable to us: We work long hours so that we can have more income; we spend time in school so that we can have a job in the field we desire; we build up our savings to have a level of financial security. All these things can be good and valuable in their place, but do we value them most? These things that look like they have lasting value are all just temporary. Jesus reminded the disciples of the brevity of life because we can see through that lens clearly what is worth it and what isn’t.
If you gained everything you ever wanted and dreamed of but lost your soul, lost what really mattered, would it be worth it? Would you really want all the riches and comfort of this world if you didn’t have life with God Himself for eternity? Jesus has shown us the way, and He has left us the Spirit to guide us and show us this life with God. We must decide whether we’ll pursue it as the valuable gift that it is or deceive ourselves, chasing after temporary pleasures that will only disappoint us and fade away.
- What are some things you have sacrificed for? Were they worth it?
- What are some ways you can remind yourself that life with God will be worth it in the end?
- Pray and ask God to remind you and all of His people that life with Him is more valuable than the things on earth.
