“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36)

Today’s scripture is all about understanding what is important to us. It sets up a comparison between two contrasting views. On the one side is all that the world has to offer, including fame, fortune, and everything in between. And on the other side is our conscience decision to choose God. Thus, making our soul and personal connection with God more important. Now, one unfortunate reality of this comparison is that the timeframe of our decision has a consequence that lasts an eternity. Meaning that if one chooses the world and the satisfaction in this life they put at risk their place in God’s eternal kingdom. Choosing even the best that the world will offer will last but a short time when compared to the eternal afterlife with our Savior. So Mark’s question in this verse doubles as a plea for his readers to use their own common sense. Why give up your soul – and all the purposeful steps one takes to maintain the righteousness granted to us through Christ Jesus – just to enjoy the dull and finite pleasures that comes from the world? To restate the verse, what can this world have to offer that would surpass the opportunity and gift given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. How can something finite ever replace that which is eternal? It cannot. So today the main takeaway from Mark 8:36 is this; it would be absolutely absurd to throw something away of true and real value in exchange for something that holds no value over time. The world, and all that it offers, may be great for a time. But it will all be worthless the moment Christ Jesus returns. And when Jesus does return, the only thing of any real value will be our faith.