For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 16:26, NKJV

This has to be one of the greatest questions ever asked. It was a question made by Jesus and directed towards Peter after Peter said that Jesus could not die in the way He had foretold. When Jesus revealed to His apostles that He must die, Peter did not understand. He did not want Jesus to die, and expressed that desire in such a way that Jesus told Peter that he did not have in mind the things of God, but the things of man.

Jesus knew that His purpose here on earth was to die for the sins of the world. Peter did not understand, and he did not want to lose his friend and master. He did not understand that if Jesus saved His physical life, that men would lose their Savior and their souls. Thus the question above: "What will a man give in exchange for his soul?"

I have noticed through the years that when it really comes down to it, men will take very little in exchange for their souls. For some, it's a pile of money. For others, a few drinks or a quick fix. Others will gladly trade their soul for power, others still for a few fleeting moments of pleasure. Whether for much or little, the end result is the same: men and women who have their hearts set on physical things will settle for the very poor trade indeed of something worthless for the most valuable possession God has given... their very souls!

What about you? Have you, in effect, been trying to exchange your eternal soul for passing pleasures? If so, wouldn't today be a good day to get your focus back and begin to live for the only One who can give you eternal life? This is why we read!

Today's Bible reading is the 16th chapter of Matthew. I pray that God will richly bless your efforts, as you continue to seek His good will.