NOT ALL GAIN IS PROFIT

Matthew 16:26 What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Our text today is a popular one, often heard in the arena of Evangelisation. We can therefore dive a bit deeper looking closely at the choice of words in the text and their implications.

In the first instance, we are exposed to the real possibility that a man could gain the whole world. The definition of what that entails may be subjective, but in the broadest sense it will be a combination of power, status, influence and wealth. However, in gaining these, there comes a cost.

What is interesting is there also remains the possibility of gaining the whole world and not forfeiting ones soul. This is because forfeiture is an act ones will. It is an intentional choice to relinquish something you have. Hence, attaining influence, power and wealth do not necessarily have to be synonymous with loss of one’s soul. You can choose God, and still have all of the above.

There is well and truly then nothing a man can give in exchange for his soul. The cost is beyond what any one can afford, it is the life of the son of God offered on the cross. Regardless then of the treasures presented before you, your soul should not be available on any trading floor for transacting.

Any apparent profit that comes at the cost of one’s soul is considered a loss.

#sly