Soul for Sale
Ponder: What will you do with your soul?
Scripture: “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26b).
Several years ago an atheist tried to sell his soul at the online auction site eBay. Bidding advanced to $400 before eBay officials caught on and deleted the item. The seller said he didn’t mean for anyone to take it seriously – he was just bored. He wished the high bidder luck in collecting!
While obviously a prank, this incident highlights some serious matters. First, we ought to be concerned about the wellbeing of our souls above all else. A typical atheist doesn’t believe he even has a soul – he thinks “matter in motion” is all there is. How sad! God is spirit, and we are made in His image. The spiritual part of us (our soul) will exist eternally.
Second, while some joke about it, you really can sell your soul to the devil by sinning. “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey? (Romans 6:16). Fortunately, Jesus paid the price to redeem (buy back) our souls, thus delivering us from the bondage of sin.
Third, your soul is worth far more than $400. Jesus asked, “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26b). Your soul is worth more than all the world’s riches. Yet we spend decades accumulating this world’s wealth while doing little or nothing to benefit our souls. Go figure . . .
Fourth, it is pitiful that so many people are bored – especially when there is so much good to be done. We are addicted to television and video games, but bored with anything that requires us to actually work or think! Learning the truth is a fine alternative to boredom! We can buy a Bible anywhere for almost nothing, yet the population is abysmally ignorant of the Bible. Selfless service also alleviates boredom. We have time and resources, yet we are bored!
What will you do with your soul? You can give it to Jesus, or sell it to Satan. Neither will have any problem collecting. It’s up to you!
Song: “It Is Well With My Soul”
Prayer: God our Father, we rejoice that You made us in Your image. Thank you for Your precious Son, Jesus, Who died to redeem our souls. Please help us not to sell our souls for the passing pleasures of sin. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)