Scripture:
Matthew 16:26
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?"
Reflection:
The rich man in Jesus' parable had everything he thought he needed—abundant crops, plans for bigger barns, and dreams of a comfortable retirement. Yet God called him a fool because he had gained material wealth while losing sight of his eternal soul. Material things make terrible gods. They rust, decay, break down, and require constant maintenance. They can be gone in a heartbeat—a market crash, a natural disaster, a health crisis. But your soul is eternal. Jesus asks the most important question we'll ever face: What good is worldly success if we lose our souls in the process? Stop building a life that ends at the grave and start building a life for eternity. The security, fulfillment, and peace we seek cannot be found in full storage units—only in a soul filled with God's presence.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I've pursued worldly success while neglecting my soul. I don't want to be rich in possessions but poor toward You. Help me to see that no amount of wealth can save me, secure me, or satisfy the deepest longings of my heart. You alone are worthy of my devotion. Fill my soul with Your presence so that I'm not tempted to fill it with things that will never last. Amen.
Action:
Take inventory of your life today. Make two lists: one of your material possessions and accomplishments, and another of your spiritual investments (time in prayer, acts of service, relationships built on faith, generosity toward God's kingdom). Which list is longer? Which receives more of your attention? Ask God to show you one way to invest more in your eternal soul this week.
Matthew 16:26
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?"
Reflection:
The rich man in Jesus' parable had everything he thought he needed—abundant crops, plans for bigger barns, and dreams of a comfortable retirement. Yet God called him a fool because he had gained material wealth while losing sight of his eternal soul. Material things make terrible gods. They rust, decay, break down, and require constant maintenance. They can be gone in a heartbeat—a market crash, a natural disaster, a health crisis. But your soul is eternal. Jesus asks the most important question we'll ever face: What good is worldly success if we lose our souls in the process? Stop building a life that ends at the grave and start building a life for eternity. The security, fulfillment, and peace we seek cannot be found in full storage units—only in a soul filled with God's presence.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I've pursued worldly success while neglecting my soul. I don't want to be rich in possessions but poor toward You. Help me to see that no amount of wealth can save me, secure me, or satisfy the deepest longings of my heart. You alone are worthy of my devotion. Fill my soul with Your presence so that I'm not tempted to fill it with things that will never last. Amen.
Action:
Take inventory of your life today. Make two lists: one of your material possessions and accomplishments, and another of your spiritual investments (time in prayer, acts of service, relationships built on faith, generosity toward God's kingdom). Which list is longer? Which receives more of your attention? Ask God to show you one way to invest more in your eternal soul this week.
Posted in Daily Devotionals
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