“What profit is there if you gain the whole world—and lose eternal life? What can be compared with the value of eternal life?” Matthew 16:26 (TLB)
It’s not easy to live for Christ in a world that doesn’t like Christ.
The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If our hope in Christ is good for this life only and no more, then [Christians] deserve more pity than anyone else in all the world” (GNT).
So here’s one of the most important questions you can ever answer: Is Christianity worth it?
Everything in life has a price tag. Anytime you say “yes” to something, you’re saying “no” to something else. Is the prize worth the price of following Christ?
Jesus said, “What profit is there if you gain the whole world—and lose eternal life? What can be compared with the value of eternal life?” (Matthew 16:26 TLB).
People are willing to trade their soul for a lot of worldly things. Some are trading it for sex, some for materialism. They’re trading it for an addiction or money or fame. They’re willing to make a terrible investment in something that will never give a return that satisfies. Your soul is worth so much more!
Paul realized this. When Paul shared his testimony in Philippians 3:7-8, he said, “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (NLT).
Paul realized that nothing—no status, no amount of money, no pleasure—is worth more than Jesus. Most of us don’t remember who was on the cover of Time magazine or what was trending on social media two weeks ago. That’s because the things of this world are light and momentary. And whoever is least among us is actually the greatest (Luke 9:48).
We need a new definition of success. Real, meaningful success isn’t based on what you have, your appearance, or feeling good. Real success comes from living your life by God’s values. And it comes with the ultimate reward of enjoying eternity in heaven.
Jesus is worth it!
Why do you think so many people chase after money, fame, and pleasure?
What do your calendar and your bank account reveal about the things you’ve been chasing after?
Why do you think Christianity is worth it?
What have you spent your life chasing?
Real success comes from living your life by God’s values. Are you ready to start living for Jesus today? If you are, here’s a prayer you can pray:
“Dear God, I know when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I’ve counted the cost of following Jesus, and I’ve decided it’s worth it. I want to turn away from my sins and toward you.
“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough to get into heaven, a perfect place.
“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
If you prayed the prayer above, please write and tell me at Rick@PastorRick.com. I’d like to send you some materials as you begin your journey with Jesus.
