Putting First the Things That Last

 

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?

Matthew 16:26 (AMP)

To care at all about this question Jesus asked, first you have to believe there IS such a thing as a soul.

In my days as a health class guest speaker, touting the advantages of abstinence before marriage without bringing religion into it, I was still able to talk about how there is something about us humans that is more than blood and bone and organs and tissue. "There is something here that makes me Me! And that something deserves to be cared for and protected."

According to today's Scripture, Jesus thought a person's soul was a pretty precious commodity. To squander one's integrity for the sake of something as temporary as money or popularity would qualify a person to be considered a fool.

And Jesus wasn't the only one to think so:

The one who loves silver is never satisfied with silver, and whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with income
Solomon  -  Ecclesiastes 5:10 (CSB)

Solomon knew what he was talking about, too!

I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. I constructed reservoirs for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned livestock  -  large herds and flocks  -  more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered male and female singers for myself, and many concubines, the delights of men. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem . . . . When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 (CSB)

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Truth is...Anything attainable through human effort here on Planet Earth is, at best, temporary. But that something that makes me Me and you You? That is beyond the physical and temporary, and when placed in the care of Jesus, capable of everlasting joy.

BONUS: To hear the Dave Burkum song that today's title was stolen from, CLICK HERE.