nov 18, 2025 - is your balance sheet showing
a profit or a loss

"for what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" mark 8:36

this powerful question from Jesus Christ in challenges the way people measure success and fulfillment.  it reminds us that no amount of wealth, power, or earthly achievement is worth sacrificing our soul — our true, eternal essence.  this verse is deeply philosophical and spiritual, urging people to reflect on their priorities in life.

the soul represents the eternal and spiritual part of a person, while "the whole world" symbolizes material wealth, status, and earthly success.  Jesus is making a stark comparison between these two: the world is temporary, but the soul is eternal.  money, possessions, and status all fade away with time.  and secondly, the soul’s worth is immeasurable, yet people often trade it for fleeting pleasures, greed, or selfish ambitions.  (remember how esau sold his heritage for a bowl of porridge?).  no matter how much power or riches a person acquires, if they lose their moral and spiritual integrity, they have ultimately lost everything.

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples and the crowd following Him.  He had just told them about His coming suffering, death, and resurrection.  peter, who could not comprehend why the Messiah would suffer, rebuked Him.  in response, Jesus taught a lesson on self-denial, sacrifice, and the cost of following Him.

this verse is part of a broader teaching where Jesus calls His followers to "take up their cross" and follow Him.  He was challenging them to think beyond earthly concerns and focus on spiritual life. 

even today, people struggle with the same temptation to prioritize success, comfort, and personal gain over spiritual well-being and moral integrity.  in today’s fast-paced, materialistic world, this verse is more relevant than ever.  society often equates success with: wealth and financial prosperity, fame and social status, power and influence or ahievements and career advancements.  many people pursue these goals at any cost—sacrificing their ethics, personal relationships, inner peace, and even mental health.  but is it worth it?

consider real-life examples: corporate scandals where people compromise ethics for profit, celebrities and public figures who seem to have it all but struggle with depression, addiction, or emptiness, ordinary individuals who prioritize career over family and later regret missing out on meaningful relationships.  the words of Jesus challenge us to ask: "are we truly fulfilled by worldly success, or is there something deeper we should seek?"

what does it mean to "lose your soul"?  losing one’s soul does not necessarily mean physical death but refers to: moral and spiritual decay – when people lose their values and integrity, a lack of true purpose – living for material success rather than deeper meaning, eternal separation from God - prioritizing worldly things over faith can lead to eternal consequences.

a person might appear successful externally but feel empty inside.  this verse reminds us that a life disconnected from spiritual and moral values leads to ultimate loss.

to live a meaningful and spiritually rich life, we should: prioritize inner fulfillment over external success – seek joy, purpose, and peace rather than just money or fame, live with integrity – make ethical choices, even when difficult, cultivate spiritual growth – through prayer, self-reflection, or faith-based practices, and finally we must value relationships over possessions – invest time in family, friends, and helping others.

this does not mean wealth or success is bad; rather, they should not come at the cost of one’s soul.  true success balances material achievements with spiritual and moral well-being.

Jesus’ question is a timeless reminder to evaluate our priorities.  it urges us to focus on what truly matters — our character, integrity, and spiritual well-being rather than temporary worldly gains.  when that was asked by a pastor i once had, a nan in the congregation simply said, "that's what you are."

success is not inherently wrong, but the real question is: at what cost?  a person who remains true to their values and faith will ultimately find a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

nov 18, 2025 - scripture or thought for the day

"but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." gal 5:22-23

today we cover the fruit of goodness.  “do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” rom 12:21. the goodness of the world has a limit and its limit is simple; if you do good to me then I will do good to you.  this is the best man can come up with.  the problem is man was created to be like God and God does good no matter what happens, not because things are always good around Him, but because He is always good.

Jesus told all of His followers to do the same.  in the same way, God was good to us, at all times, in the midst of all of our evil and sin, so we should also do good to everyone who treats us well and to those that treat us badly.

we are to do good constantly.  not because good is done unto us, but because we strive to be good as He is good.  this is what Jesus was referring to in matthew 5:43-48.  and since He explains it way better than I could ever, i’ll finish this fruit with the words of Jesus.

“you have heard that it was said, ‘you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ but I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

“for if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? and if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others?  do not even the tax collectors do so?  therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.“ matt 5:43-48

goodness IS godliness.  isn't it amazing how just adding an "o" in exclamation awakens our perception?