Jesus said,
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37 ESV
The implied answer is “nothing!” It does not do a person any good to gain the whole world materially, and yet forfeit his soul. What is more, it puts a person in peril! There is nothing a person can give God in exchange for his own soul. We spend time pursuing many things that will end up perishing, rotting, or simply being “undone” by the next generation. As C.T. Studd put it, “One life to live, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
In Christ, we have salvation- an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade. And in the meantime, we are called to actively “store up” treasures in heaven. The words of this hymn by Cesar Malan are just as relevant today as they were when he wrote it in the nineteenth century. It expresses the justice awaiting those who try to “gain the whole world” yet forfeit their souls: no worldly goods can save them, only Christ can. Turn to Jesus now- repent, accept his forgiveness and his love for you, and pursue the things that really matter.
What are the pleasures of the world, Its honor, joy and care!
They are but splendid vanities, But trifles light as air;
The things that those who know not God so eagerly pursue,
O what shall they avail the soul, when death appears in view!
O soul, wilt thou not rue thy choice In that tremendous day,
When by the wrath of God consumed, this world shall pass away?
When all the earth contained for thee shall perish from thy sight,
Where shall man’s glory then appear, His boasted pow’r and might!
O foolish and misguided ones who for such worthless toys
Will barter their immortal souls, And lose eternal joys;
The flatt’ring but delusive hopes To which they vainly cling,
They cannot save from end-less woe, The awful doom of sin.
For What shall it profit, profit a man;
For What shall it profit, profit a man;
If he gain the whole world, the whole world
and lose his own soul, and lose his own soul