What's it Worth

I was reading scripture today and God put something on my heart.

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? 27 For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." Matthew 16: 24-28  


This verse says something about every person walking on this earth, it's one of my favorites. Have you ever asked yourself "what is it worth?"I’m not the type of person who just understands things… they have to be said in a certain way to make me truly grasp what they truly mean. I’ve definitely been guilty of the “compromise”… Ill just do what I feel is right and ask for forgiveness later. We have ALL done that. <br>My biggest struggle, my mouth. I just feel relieved when I say what I feel needs to be said, I mean I have that right and in my mind it’s the right thing to say …. but at what expense? Is it always pleasing to Christ…not at all.There are somsethings not meant to be said and it's never okay to hurt others to make yourself feel better So when I read this it puts things into perspective for me and I ask myself this question, HOW IMPORTANT IS IT?


With every decision we make in life we define who we are. It is NOT all about who you are on the inside (as a lot of people think)… it’s also about what you represent on the outside. Our actions play a huge part in the future we will live.God created us in His image, he expects us to act on His behalf.It’s completely possible for someone to get everything they wish for if they put their mind to it, but what is it worth if you haven’t acquired His way? 
How important are things you want? Typically, very important at the moment… but in hindsight we always realize it’s not really important at all. So the thing you sinned for, the thing you lied for, cheated for, those mean things you said, your new car, your Sin (lust, gossip, homosexuality,premarital sex, adultry,ect)--- how important are they in the overall picture, more important than your soul? <br>The thing is this: God has set the expectation, humans fail to meet it on a daily basis. We look around and ask other “what has the world come to”… the world has come to a great compromise--- Him for myself--- that's right, Christ for myself.


God asks these questions daily, and WE provide the answers....“How important is your eternity with Me?” “What will you give in exchange for my (God’s) grace?” And the hardest one “How much do you love me? Enough to walk away, enough to sacrifice? Enough to forgive? ” So what will the moment of pleasure, the short term joy, the undeserved happiness profit us if our soul is lost????  Do I need to “say” everything I feel or think? When I’m hurt do I need to retaliate with words, when I’m scared do I need to harden up to avoid pain? I can close my mouth and save my soul.
 
We don't always act in HIs image rather a worldly image created by people of this world. We sometimes ignore God’s way and create our own because in the moment it feels better. Christians are on a journey to do the opposite, deal with the loss of short term pleasure by focusing on eternal gain. We owe Him, everyday. He does forgive all of us, but He doesn’t excuse ugly motive or evil behavior. We pay for it, whether it’s with our sanity or our soul, we all pay.


It’s hard, as I said it’s a daily focus… a journey… some days we lose, some days we win… but we have to ask that question: “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world (the momentary satisfaction) and loses his soul?” What is it worth to you? Question: If you could have the whole world but would lose your soul, would you? Because everytime you comprimise your "wants" for His "commands" you do just that. God didn't give options, He gave commands. God didn't ask how we felt, He gave instruction. Live by His word, Obey His commands, and follow His instruction. Love your neighbor, forgive their trespasses, husbands love your wife, never let her down by seeking other woman, wives love your husbands only, respect and honor him and him alone... unholy passion leads to alot of pain. There is no moment of pleasure, no minute of laughter, no moment of rage, no lifestyle, no material things, no night of passion, no revenge, no ugly motive----- worth your soul?
 Ask yourself again.... "What does it profit a man to gain the world but lose his soul".... and think about it.



Have a blessed night! Rachelle