Photo by By Mike Chaffin
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36-37
Priorities and purpose are important for a successful life. How we structure those priorities and how we pursue our purpose reflect what is in our heart and soul.
As a young man I, like so many of you, wanted to succeed in life. I wanted a good job. One that I could sink my teeth into and be financially successful. I wanted an extensive network of friends to share my success and problems with. I wanted children, and a wife to be by my side. I wanted God to be there for me.
All that sounds great, doesn’t it? However, my priorities were mixed up. They started off with what I wanted and ended with including God when I needed him, or when it was convenient. In the “keeping up with Jones’s” mentality this is a common error.
Looking at my list, God was not first, He was last. My life was upside down. I was striving for all the wrong things. When we put God first, when He is our foundation, our priorities naturally line up. God, then the spouse God had for me. Children naturally follow. I get all those right and my job falls in place, the one God provides.
In my own strength I can only do so much. If I expend all my energy on work to the point where it excludes everything else, what have I gained? If I get so busy with family issues that I don’t include God, it gets messy. Jesus asked a very pointed question. If I strive to gain the entire world, but in the process leave out God, and lose my soul do I win? Of course not. I’ve lost for all eternity.
However, with Christ who strengthens me I can do all things. That means all the right things, not everything the world wants me to try. He helps de-clutter and organize so He is the center and the goal we strive for. Success, not necessarily measured as the world measures it, will follow us through life. Moses’ advice is still something we need to adhere to.
He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ 18 Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, Deuteronomy 8:17-18a
Contemplation: Am I at risk of striving for the wrong things and at risk of losing my soul?
