Matthew 16:26
For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Jesus is lovingly reminding us that eternity is forever. Too often we get distracted by the here and now – what will I eat, what will I wear, will I have enough for today, how can I climb the corporate ladder? We must remember that while those questions seem important in the moment, there is really only one question that matters:
Who do I believe Jesus is?
The answer to this question is not a moral or ethical one. It is a life and death decision. Our response will determine whether we live in eternity with God or in eternal torment without Him. Every man, woman and child was designed for relationship with God. Imagine being separated from God, in a place you were never designed to inhabit, never being able to fulfill your created purpose, forever. That is hell.
If you find yourself reluctant to share the good news of the gospel, meditate on the fact that unless a person receives Jesus as Lord, He cannot be their Saviour. If they do not receive Jesus as Saviour, they will be lost – not for a day or a month a or a year, but for eternity. God was so moved by this fact, that He sent His One and Only Son to die a brutal death and then rise in glorious victory, so that it would not have to happen. May the love of God compel us to introduce people to Jesus so that they may have the opportunity to choose life!
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Let Your love stir our hearts with compassion for the lost. May we be bold in sharing the good news of who Your Beloved Son, Jesus is and has done, not only for us, but for all who would call Him Lord. Thank You that we can be confident because we know that You desire that no one would perish. Thank You that we will be compelled by Your love to preach the Gospel, so that the lost would be saved, and that You would be glorified.
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
Romans 10:14-15 (NLT)