Monday; November 25

The other day I was listening to an old bluegrass gospel song by Bill Monroe and Doc Watson called “What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul?”.  While the vocals are haunting, the words cut right to the heart of mankind’s challenge – what are we willing to risk to maintain our own self-centered life?  This song has its roots in a lesson that Jesus taught that culminated in the challenge, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?  For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37).  While most of us would like to profess that our spiritual salvation is the most important thing in our lives, we have to ask if that is really true. 
As I pondered this question, I got to considering the temptations many people face and came up with just a few:
1.  Financial security:  How many people are willing to break the law to gain material wealth?  Maybe a better question is how many of us are willing to place fiscal matters ahead of spiritual matters.  Which is more important, having enough money to live this life comfortably or putting Christ first so that we can live spiritually successful lives?
2.  Political victory:  I am sure there have been people who have “sold their soul” to win an election, but this challenge may be even greater in today’s times.  Which is more important, being spiritually well-rounded and loving people more than issues or sticking to a politician or a platform that fits the way we believe our nation should be led no matter how caustic and vile we become.  Who cares what happens to society as long as we have those in leadership who see things my way.
3.  Sexual freedom:  The Bible is pretty straight-forward about the boundaries it places around human sexuality.  Yet, how many people are willing to risk eternal judgement just to be able to have sexual relations with whomever they choose? 
          What are we willing to risk to promote our own lifestyle or agenda?  Is it really worth it?
Think About It!

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