Scripture:

Mark 8:36-37
36 "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? 
37 "For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
NASU


Thoughts:

These words never lose their potency.  They are as true today as they were then.  Most of our world lives according to these same misguided priorities:  seeking all they can of this world, while completely unprepared for the next.

But I think there is application for the believer in these verses, as well.  We cannot forfeit our souls as they have been purchased by the precious blood of Christ:  we are His!  But we too can find ourselves mixed up in our priorities and focused on gaining the world. 

Nothing of this world can save the unrepentant sinner.  Likewise, nothing of this world can build up the forgiven saint.  In both cases, what is needed is interaction with the Lord.  Our souls are what matter in eternity.  So, how are our souls looking?  Are they as clean and polished as the material things we've accumulated?  Are they as meticulously cared for and attended to as our outward person?  Do we know the intricacies of their well being, as we do the details of our vocation or favorite hobby?


Prayer:

Oh God, align my priorities in life with Your own.  I'm so easily distracted by so many things.  Though these things may not be evil, they are so much less than what You have for me.

Grow me in You!  May I mature as a believer.  Lead me in the plan that You have for my life.  I want to look back on my life with an assurance that it was not time wasted, but filled with all that You wanted for me.

Amen