Matthew 16:24-27 – “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  25 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but 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 soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?  27 “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. “NASB

Most of us have thought about the last days during these current days.  We look at the prophecies and declarations of the Bible and wonder how we cannot be living in the “last days” as spoken of by God’s Word.  In this simple passage, Jesus gives us some clear direction as to what it means to follow Him but asks one poignant question that too often, we read over and do not give thought to.  I want to address that question in this short writing.  The question, “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Through the years, I have seen people sell their souls for money, power, fame, prestige, recognition, relationships, and many other things.  They have sacrificed their spiritual life to gain position, power, and money.  Yet, there will come a day, if the Bible is correct (and I fully believe it is) when we will be faced with answering that question in a very literal sense. 

Phrasing the question, a different way might be, “Is there anything for which you would give up your eternal destiny in Christ?”  “Would you truly be willing and capable of laying down your life for the Name of Jesus and the cause of the Kingdom?”  You well may be faced with that decision at some point in time.  I won’t go into the gruesome possibilities that could be used to coerce you into acquiescing and agreeing to the demands of the evil one, but they are most diabolical. 

The question must forever be settled, and the decision must forever be made that “Nothing is more valuable than your relationship with God – your eternal soul.”  You must live your life knowing that no matter what happens to you, family, friends, possessions, etc. in the final analysis – Eternity in His Presence is more important than physical comfort or even physical life itself.  I don’t mean saying it with head knowledge, I mean determining it to the point that it is a central and integral part of your being. 

I do not mean to become morbid, but we are in “perilous times” and we do not know how far the despots of the world, including this country, will go to take our liberties and attempt to suppress our faith and Christianity.  Your relationship with Jesus is more important than anything and your soul is worth more than life itself on this earth.  Therefore, it is vital that we “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness….” 

I pray the rich and bountiful blessings of the LORD upon you as you reach for the prize of the High Calling in Christ Jesus.  May you enjoy His abundant as you go through this day!