Jesus taught his disciples to put the right value on things. And he made it clear that one should not value anything more highly than their own soul.

Whatever a person needs to sacrifice to gain their soul, Jesus said, they would be well-advised to give it up willingly.

Even if someone could promise you that he could deliver on your fondest wishes.

Even if someone could promise you the winning Powerball ticket.

Even if someone could promise you the person of your dreams, the mansion of your wildest imagination, the fulfillment of your greatest vision.

Even if you could gain the whole world.

Let it go. It would be far, far better to hold tightly to your soul. Don't ever forfeit that.

Not for money, not for power, not for the most gorgeous woman or the most understanding man. Not for fast cars, sex, drugs or rock and roll.

Just don't do it.

Because your soul is the single most valuable thing you possess. And Jesus died to redeem it from sin, death and hell. He paid a precious price for that soul.

And he wants you to keep your soul for eternity.

"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" (Mark 8:36-37, NIV).

Lord, thank you for giving me an eternal soul. Help me to value my soul above all things, and be willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of my soul. Thank you for sacrificing your life for my soul, for bleeding and dying on the cross as the payment for my soul. Help me to cling to faith in you for the salvation of my soul.

Our Bible reading for Wednesday, February 25, is Exodus 37:1 - 38:31, Mark 8:14 - 9:1 and Proverbs 6:1-11.

Header image based on "Light of Soul" by odysseus-Studio, CC By-SA 2.0