“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Matthew 16:26
Dear Ones:
One’s perspective of life and its realities is very important. That perspective will be based on one of two things, men’s “thoughts and ways,” as opposed to those of God. Humanistic philosophy looks primarily at the temporal, godless “meaning” of life,” which has an end, with no true and lasting purpose or “raison d’etre.” If you contrast that with God, as we see in the Bible, we see a value put upon the soul of man by God that is as immeasurable as the price that Christ paid on the cross to “buy,” or redeem him, from death and destruction. God’s perspective is clear. It is that of LIFE, but of a quality of Life that man is incapable of forming or maintaining. It is eternal, unchanging, forever SET in heaven. And yet, it begins here on this earth.
If ever there was a contrast to what the natural, godless man believes, it is found in Jesus’ words: “And this is life eternal, that they might KNOW Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) In declaring these words, the Lord Jesus offers the resounding reason for our existence, even what our existence is to be…LIFE, the knowledge and experience of the Life of God by the Spirit of God. Not only is this experience to be one of “perpetual” potential, and increased realization, in that the Spirit of God never changes, but it is to be one of eternal worth and purpose. Humanistic philosophy can rise no higher than the “lofty,” and proud thoughts of men, whose limitations are as great and finite as their finite capacity. The problem with that “capacity” is that it is self-centered, and has only one source of being, and rising, …that of itself…and not of God.
In this passage in Matthew, we find the Lord Jesus seeking to make us understand the comparison between that which is of God, and that which is of man. He says, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the WHOLE WORLD, and lose his own soul?” (16:26) Here is a remarkable declaration, that a man can gain all that this world has to offer to the very limit of his capacity, and lose it all..forever. Not only that, the “soul” of man because of unbelief, can be lost forever, forever separated from the life and love of God. To know and love God is everything. All else is nothing in comparison. Paul would reiterate this in his letters: “For me to LIVE is Christ, and to die is gain.” “When Christ, who IS our life shall appear, then ye shall appear with Him in glory.” (Col. 3:4)
What then is the great pursuit? It is the pursuit to KNOW God, to know Christ. There is no greater pursuit, for there is no greater or higher object in the pursuit, as there is no one more wonderful and glorious than the One who “…loved me (us) and gave Himself for me (us).” When Jesus died on Calvary, He, the Father, and the Spirit, declared the value of a soul, the purpose of God in saving that soul, and the immeasurable love of God to reach that soul. What a wonderful and glorious opportunity we have to pursue this One who IS love, Everlasting Love. To turn aside from this pursuit, embracing the ways and philosophies of man, at the expense of pursuing God, when He has declared and demonstrated His intent, purpose, and provision to save us, is to choose to pursue the path of those who are lost, and perishing. To take God at His word, to embrace the eternal, believing in His Eternal Mercy and grace, is to embrace Christ, to know Him, and the power of His blessed life in the heart, by faith.
Father, give us grace to see, recognize, and become convinced of this great and highest pursuit, that of knowing You. To know the life of Your Son is that which pleases You, for You see Him in us, dwelling in our hearts. Fill us with His Spirit as we onward go, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. We praise and thank Thee, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad