Are You Willing to Risk YOUR Soul?

In the hilarious video below, a new graduate and all of his friends go crazy with joy because the graduate thinks that his parents gave him a new yellow convertible. Then the man who actually owns the car gets in it and drives away.

Possessions seem to promise outrageous happiness, but in the end they can only give us a shallow and short-lived satisfaction. We don't own our possessions; they belong to another...



After telling His disciples and others nearby the cost of being His disciple, Jesus asked... "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?" (Mark 8:36-37).

With these words of Jesus we are reminded of the value of the soul. It is the most valuable possession one has. All earthly possessions, position, pleasure, and power aren't worth the value of one's soul! Maybe some of you are now wondering, "Why is the soul of man so valuable?"

To begin with, IT IS MADE IN GOD'S IMAGE! Man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Yet God does not have a physical body like ours (cf. John 4:24; Luke 24:39). Therefore it must be our soul, or spirit, that is in God's image. This is what enable us to comprehend abstract concepts as:

a. Life, death, eternity
b. Things of beauty
c. A moral sense of ought, right and wrong, good and evil

Thus, making us more than just animal creatures (cf. Psalm 8:3-8)!

Another added value of a man's soul is IT IS THAT OVER WHICH WE HAVE MUCH CONTROL! The body is mostly the result of genetics. Sure, we might be able to change a little through exercise, plastic surgery, etc. But we can't stop the eventual aging and dying process.

The soul, however, is different. Despite one's genetics, there is much that can be changed. With God's help, we can change attitudes, character, etc. (Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:12-15)

While we're at it, let's add that A MAN'S SOUL DOES NOT CEASE TO EXIST AT DEATH! The body dies, and soon returns back to the dust. The soul, or spirit, returns back to God (Ecclesiastes 12:7); awaiting the resurrection of the body (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:35-58). After which comes the Judgment (Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

The soul, in its resurrected body, will bear the brunt of that Judgment. This will be either eternal life, honor, glory, and immortality (Romans 2:7); or indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish (Romans 2:8-9). Which is why we need to evaluate all things (possessions, decisions, actions) from an eternal perspective, from the soul's viewpoint (Matthew 10:28; 16:26).

Finally, regarding the value of a man's soul, we can say that IT REQUIRES A GREAT COST TO REDEEM IT! What price is required to redeem our souls from the wrath of God's judgment? Nothing less than the blood of the Son of God! (1 Peter 1:18-19). Even if we cannot fully comprehend why Jesus had to die, we should able to see that the souls of men must be extremely valuable if His death was necessary.

So the Bible teaches that the soul is more valuable than the whole world! And yet, many "sell their souls" for what surely are petty bargains. For example, consider WHAT WILL ONE GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL?

For some it is earthly riches and fame. In their quest for riches, they neglect their service to God (1 Timothy 6:10). Yet they've traded their souls for what is corruptible and can be stolen (Mathew 6:19-21).

Some will sell their souls for the passing pleasures of sin. Like the young man tempted by the harlot (Proverbs 5:1-14). In a moment's passion, lives are destroyed (e.g., AIDS, unwanted pregnancies, etc.); and marriages and families are ruined. On the positive side, young people in the Bible should inspire us to make the right choices:

a. Like Joseph (Genesis 39:7-9)
b. Like Moses (Hebrews 11:24-25)
c. Like Daniel (Daniel 1:8)

Still for others, they sell their souls to convenient false doctrines of which we need to beware (Colossians 2:8,18). The devil is a master at this (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) and through the lack of Bible study, we can lose the most valuable thing we have! (Hosea 4:6)

And last, but not least by any means, some will sell their souls by simple neglect. They will not use the opportunities the Lord has given them (cf. Matthew 25:24-30). They fail to apply the diligence necessary to grow spiritually (cf. 2 Peter 1:5-11).

In conclusion, How valuable is your soul...? Think of what the rich man in Hades would tell you (cf. Luke 16:22-24). Think of what the souls of the redeemed would say to you (cf. Revelation 7:13-17). Think of what Jesus and God have done to save your soul! (cf. John 3:16).

Dear friends, you don't have to lose your soul! Humbly submit yourself to the will of God. Let His Word guide you, let no man cheat you of your reward. Overcome temptations, and suffer for His cause with rejoicing.

Implied in all these words is that there will be the Day of Judgment (Acts 17:30-31), with possible consequences terrible beyond comprehension (Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8). Are you willing to risk losing YOUR soul...?

Let's pray:

O God, you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you; for in returning and rest we shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be our strength. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Randi