Since the summer of 2005, Mark 8:35 has been a “guiding light” verse in my life: Jesus said, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” I cannot describe what this verse does in me and how important I truly think it is as we consider the steep cost to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. As I mentioned yesterday, the verse haunts me and inspires my life and ministry.
In what ways are we all chasing after the things of this world to know reward? Where do we run the risk forfeiting the eternal life because we have invested in earthly things?
Dear Friends, there is something fundamentally wrong with human nature. Although we were created in the image of God, our first parents lustfully desired to take control of their own lives, and we’ve been in the same boat ever since. We are all under the same sentence of death. But Christ came to give his life for ours. He chose to lay down his life that we might share in his resurrection life. It is time for us to count the cost, to seriously assess our priorities, and to live in light of eternity. It would be a shame to lose what Christ has given to us with his very life. Rather than struggling to aspire toward worldly success or acquiring earthly prosperity, may you rest in his amazing grace, his unshakable love, and his never-ending mercy…today and everyday.
Blessings on your week,
Pastor Culynn
To prepare for worship on Sunday
(July 14), you are invited to read:
Psalm 90:12-17, Exodus 3:1-12