Matthew 16:26
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
These readings on ambition are hitting home for me. I have never really considered myself an “ambitious” person, in the general sense of the word. But it is easy for me to see times I have allowed myself to start down the wrong track. I still struggle a bit with the money part. God has let me know “ambition” will not lead to recognition for me. I don’t think I was ever going for recognition or reputation, other than to be known as conscientious and kind. I am rambling now, but realizing my ambition needs to turn even more to God, less to my income.
Holy Lord, May I turn my efforts to “get ahead” even more directly to you. My energies should not be wasted on empty pursuits. May your Holy Spirit continue to guide me. Amen
Becky, transforming
Monday, August 5th, 2024
Matthew 16:26
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Jesus said in Matthew 19:24 it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Many human beings will do the most despicable things for wealth and power or fame. When we die, we can't take any of those things with us. Our soul never dies, just our bodies. Our souls define who we are, the body just conceals it. Jesus doesn't want us to live in poverty, just t…
Matthew 16:26
This verse reminds me of Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” The title character, uncommonly handsome, comes to believe hedonism and sensual fulfillment are the only things worth living for. He sells his soul to ensure a portrait painted of him, rather than he himself will age and fade. He then pursues an extremely amoral lifestyle, staying young and handsome while his portrait ages and visually records his every sin.
Wilde was known for his own pursuit of pleasure, but life ended poorly for him, dying in poverty in Paris. Having taken stock of his life, a repentant Wilde was baptized by a priest on his deathbed into the Roman Catholic faith. He was 46. Art imitates…