Mark 8:35-37 (NASB)
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"

This is a crucial question that faces all Christians in this day and age. Even though, in most places in the world right now, Christians do not suffer severe persecution from others over issues of faith, challenges to fidelity to Christ do often present themselves in our daily lives. How often do we let other things get in the way of spending quality time with the Lord and His word? How often do we let the pursuit of monetary riches, hobbies, or even relationships get in the way of having a saving relationship with Christ?

There is nothing wrong with working hard to gain financial wealth, having hobbies that can be a blessing to us and to others, or building relationships with others. The problem comes when these things prevent us from seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). For in the end, it is eternal destiny that really matters. What good is it to have more money than one can spend in several lifetimes and miss out on eternal life? The money cannot be taken to the grave because we come into the world with nothing, and we leave it with nothing. What good is it to have the largest collection of whatever and lose out on the glories of God's kingdom? Again, we cannot take our collections with us at death. What good is it to focus on relationships at the expense of walking with Christ? In the end, it is not our earthly relationships that will save us, but our relationship with the Son of God. What good would it be to have all the friends in the world, and come to the judgment seat of Christ to hear Him say, "Depart from Me; I never knew you!"?

Are we as Christians willing to give our lives for the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Most would probably say yes. Are we willing to live according to the Gospel of Christ? Again, Christians would respond affirmatively. It is of great importance that we ask ourselves these questions from time to time, because it is very easy to let the cares of life creep up and blind us to what is really of greater value. It takes little effort to deceive ourselves into figuratively buying cheap glass when diamonds are being offered to us as a gift.

What is more valuable to us than our souls? What is more important than our eternal destiny? Would it not be better to keep all we do here in this life in its proper perspective? God wants us to put Him first in our lives, because He knows that is best for us and will save us in the end. He knows that true peace only comes through having a relationship with Him. May the Lord help us all realize our need for Christ and having Him at the center of our lives.