Gain the World
Mark 8:36 KJVS
[36] For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
When you read this scripture what comes to mind? Do you think of a lavish lifestyle with million dollar mansions? Driving a Lamborghini? Or even owning a yacht? Maybe you think about being a highly successful business owner. Heck even a high paying salary. But have you ever considered something as simple as a pay raise?
At first it may seem trivial. Yeah, a pay raise. It seems minuscule in comparison to “gaining the world.” But that is part of the point or reasoning. Although, you can gain the whole world, most aren’t in that situation. And it does not mean you will. Christ knowing this was rather focused on conveying a point. Not that all would attain that goal but setting a standard from least to greatest. Or rather, a spectrum or range of possibilities. Inclusive of everything in between.
When we think of having abundance we think large. Hence, “the world”. We apply the same logic when we are overburdened. We liken our struggles unto carrying the world on our shoulders. Due to the immense load, stress, pressure and hardship. This was the same logic Christ put into this proverb. Christ was letting us know, what would it profit if you could get anything you desired in this world if the end result is the cost of your soul and thus your salvation? Even if you obtained it, it is only temporary. And not only temporary but you doomed yourself to an eternity of suffering in exchange for it.
1 John 2:15-17 KJVS
[15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Usually when we consider “love” we think positive. However, love in this context as well as other scriptures is an abundance or much. Even to a lustful or covetous desire. We do not have a good spiritual balance that these things are only temporary. Thus, your desire and focus should be toward the eternal things. Now this isn’t saying you having anything nice is a sin in and of itself. Nor is this saying that you will not be able to achieve any of these things. It’s rather what did it cost to get it. And seeing how Job says this:
Job 9:24 KJVS
[24] The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he?
It is set up for Satan to be the primary one to bless you in this life and bait you in with blessings at the cost of sin. And in order to obtain such blessings, as we are in these last days in our captivity. There is a great chance you will be in a position where you will greatly risk sinning to obtain it or even sustain it. We often think Satan may tempt us with something big. But just as it was stated at the beginning of this article it may simply be a pay raise of $3 an hour. But with that raise they now need you to work on the sabbath. But an extra $3 or $5 an hour sounds good and you could be hurting for it. Especially if the odds are stacked against you. You may have lost your job, it’s been months, your car broke down, bills piling up, debt is high. Now you are tempted to do things under normal circumstances you would not. If you give in, you have now fulfilled the proverb of Christ. Yet, there is hope if you sincerely repent. Yet, not all do. And many become blinded by Satan and seduced to think their way is good. Yet you have gone further away from the Most High.
Jeremiah 2:33 KJVS
[33] Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways.
You can easily find yourself trimming your ways trying to bend laws or pacify small sins in order to “gain” more of the world. You can even gain things outside of just money, such as relationships. A spouse, closer relationships with family or friends. Higher social status in this world. But you start getting seduced. You conform to what they are doing rather than staying firm in what the Most High commands you to do. All to try to keep the peace. Or maintain a “good” relationship status. Not knowing you are slowly forfeiting a good relationship, the best relationship that should be valued above all relationships… Your bond with the creator.
Matthew 16:25 KJVS
[25] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
This is why Christ says this proverb as well. If you think you can skate through this walk avoiding sacrifice or standing for the word you are wrong. God knows your heart (your mind) and your intentions and you forget that he sees what you are doing. We only choose our own delusions to our own demise. You must be willing and ready that anything you gain in this world can be used to try you and you may lose. However, what you lose in this world you “shall receive an hundredfold and shall inherit everlasting life” in the next.
Matthew 16:26 KJVS
[26] For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
