Counting The Cost
“For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what could a person give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37
Insight
One major lesson I am learning is that everything has a cost. I know what you are thinking, very scary if it took you almost 29 years to learn this. But hear me out, I am talking about going beyond the price tag to count the cost of what we get in this life. I am learning that a price tag does not fully reveal the cost of what we are trying to gain.
At this point in my life, I do not own much clothing. I wear whatever I have until it is falling apart… or my wife Denise throws it away. But last year I discovered a new clothing line that I cannot stop buying from. I love their message, their heart behind their fashion, and it looks good! So, I have been trying to stretch our dollars so I can buy from this clothing line.
Here is where it gets interesting…
I no longer just see a price tag; I see all the implications of the purchase. I see the number of hours I must work to pay for it. I see what else must be given up. I see the longevity of the item and how many times it will be worn. Then, I realize that the things of this world cost far more than a price tag. To gain the things of this world costs time, energy, effort, sacrifice, and potentially the least of all, money.
Jesus knew the cost of chasing after the world when He spoke the jarring words we are reading today. Jesus also knew the importance of saying these words to a crowd made of two groups: the Pharisees who had access to gain things from the world, and the crowd of people who were unable to gain things of the world. But both had something in common: they all desired to gain more riches or power or influence.
Every human is tempted to gain more, and our Western culture only puts gasoline on that fire. Apple would go broke if their advertisements were more honest and said, “The iPhone 13 is just like the 12, so if your 12 works fine, do not worry about upgrading!” Instead, they pull all the cards possible to get shoppers to spend a crazy amount of money on a new phone. But again, what is the actual cost that goes beyond the price tag?
I do not believe Jesus is trying to convince us to never buy anything. But I am convinced that Jesus said these words to remind the crowds, and to remind us, that our soul is far more valuable than anything else in this world. In fact, Jesus demonstrated how much He valued our souls, by giving His life on a cross. Jesus set the bar high on our value, and He wants us to do the same.
So, how much do you think your soul is worth? If you are letting the world put a price tag on it, it is going to undercut the value you have. But, if you remember what Jesus has done for you, you will begin to see yourself as Jesus does: priceless.
May we go through each day secure and confident in our value from our Father and may we help remind others of the same truth!
Reflection
Take a few moments to think about your value. What factors try to convince you what your value is?
What thoughts come to your mind when you consider that Jesus views you as priceless? Read through the accounts of Jesus to be reminded of how much He values you.
Prayer
Father, thank you for paying the price for my life. Though the enemy and the world try to convince me I am less valuable for any reason, I am grateful that You have the final word. Your final word is that I am priceless in Your sight. Help me to lean into that truth and not let the world shake that truth. Thank you for loving me and paying my debt. I pray this all in Your awesome name, Amen.
Port City writer Davy Nance wrote today’s devotional.