For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what could a person give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37
I would say that one of the most important lessons to learn in life is that everything has a cost. What I am talking about is going beyond the price tag to count the real cost of what we get in this life. I mean really learning that a price tag does not fully reveal the cost of what we are trying to gain.
This is my goal right now with my children. I’m trying to teach them that the things they want should not come at the expense who they are or the things they need. I want them to no longer just see a price tag; but to see all the implications of the purchase. Things like the number of hours they must work to pay for it. To see what else must be given up, the longevity of the item, and how many times it they will use it. Then I believe they will realize that the things of this world cost far more than a price tag. To gain the things of this world costs time, energy, effort, sacrifice, and potentially the least of all things, money.
Jesus knew the cost of chasing after the world when He spoke the jarring words we are reading today. Jesus also knew the importance of saying these words to a crowd made of two groups: the Pharisees who had access to gain things from the world, and the crowd of people who were unable to gain things of the world. But both had something in common: they all desired to gain more riches or power or influence.
Every human is tempted to gain more, and our culture only puts gasoline on that fire. Apple would go broke if their advertisements were more honest and said, “The iPhone 13 is just like the 12, so if your 12 works fine, do not worry about upgrading!” Instead, they pull all the cards possible to get shoppers to spend a crazy amount of on a new phone, instead of paying their rent or car payment. But again, what is the actual cost that goes beyond the price tag?
I do not believe Jesus is trying to convince us to never buy anything. But I am convinced that Jesus said these words to remind the crowds, and to remind us, that our soul is far more valuable than anything else in this world. In fact, Jesus demonstrated how much He valued our souls, by giving His life on a cross. Jesus set the bar high on our value, and He wants us to do the same.
So, how much do you think your soul is worth? If you are letting the world put a price tag on it, it is going to undercut the value you have. But, if you remember what Jesus has done for you, you will begin to see yourself as Jesus does: priceless. May we go through each day secure and confident in our value from our Father and may we help remind others of the same truth. What factors try to convince you what your value is? What thoughts come to your mind when you consider that Jesus views you as priceless?
Prayer: Father God, thank you for paying the price for my life. Though the enemy and the world try to convince me I am less valuable for any reason, I am grateful that You have the final word. Your final word is that I am priceless in Your sight. Help me to lean into that truth and not let the world shake that truth. Thank you for loving me and paying my debt and settling my value. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
