What If You Gain the World But Lose Your Soul?

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Mark 8:34-37 “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?’”

Think

A father once showed his son his brand new car, gleaming in the driveway. Expecting excitement, he asked, “What do you think?” The kid shrugged and said, “Can it make waffles?” Kids have a way of cutting through what impresses adults. They don’t care about stock portfolios, promotions, or the latest tech. A kid sees a sleek sports car and wonders if it has cup holders big enough for their favorite snack. The things we chase after—success, status, wealth—feel massive in the moment. But in the grand scheme of life, do they really matter?

Jesus asked a question that forces us to see past the surface: what good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? We spend so much of our lives chasing things that won’t last, thinking if we just achieve the next big thing, we’ll finally be secure. But at what cost? Are we investing in what truly matters, or are we so focused on building our own kingdoms that we’re neglecting the One that lasts forever?

In 1923, some of the world’s most powerful businessmen gathered at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago. Charles Schwab, the head of Bethlehem Steel, Samuel Insull, a business tycoon, and Albert Fall, a U.S. cabinet member, had everything—money, influence, and the respect of the world. Yet within years, Schwab died bankrupt, Insull lost everything, and Fall ended up in prison.

Albert Fall, once the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, was convicted in the Teapot Dome Scandal for accepting bribes in exchange for leasing federal oil reserves. He became the first U.S. cabinet member to serve prison time. Samuel Insull, who pioneered the modern electricity grid, saw his empire collapse during the Great Depression. Once one of the wealthiest men in America, he died nearly penniless. These men gained the world, yet in the end, it left them with nothing.

Losing one’s soul isn’t just about eternity—it’s about missing the purpose of life now. We were created to know Jesus, to reflect his heart, to invest in what he cares about. Yet, so often, we get distracted by what feels urgent rather than what is truly important. We chase temporary success but neglect eternal significance.

Jesus isn’t calling us to a joyless existence. He’s calling us to focus on what truly matters—loving him, serving others, living with purpose beyond ourselves. The world tells us to build our lives around achievements, comfort, and security. Jesus tells us to build our lives around him.

Apply

Let go of what won’t last. Identify one thing that consumes too much of your thoughts—whether it’s money, status, or approval—and surrender it to Jesus.

Pray

Heavenly Father, help me to see past the temporary and focus on what truly matters—knowing you, loving others, and living with purpose. Keep my heart from chasing things that won’t last, and align my desires with yours. Teach me to invest in what is eternal so that my life reflects you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.