PONDER THIS

Suppose there’s a boy who falls in love with a girl, but he doesn’t really know how to ask her to marry him. So, he thinks if he just gives her an engagement ring, she’ll catch the idea. He has it beautifully wrapped, and inside the wrapping is that velvet box with the satin lining on the inside and a gorgeous ring. He gives it to her and says, “Look at this and tell me what you think.” He comes back and says, “What did you think about my present?” She says, “It’s beautiful. I love it.” And she pulls out the little box. She says, “Look at the hinge. See the little clasp. See how fuzzy it is. And look how soft it is on the inside. Look at that satin.” He says, “Yes, but what about what was on the inside?” She says, “You mean that piece of wire and glass? I threw that away, but this is a wonderful box. Thank you so much for it.”

It sounds funny, but there are people who are just like that. They don’t understand that the body is the box; the soul is the diamond. We pamper the box, and we neglect the diamond that is on the inside. Jesus told us it is a pitiful and bad bargain if a man were to try to exchange his soul even for everything in the world.

• When have you been tempted to invest in things of the world that would keep you from investing in your relationship with God?
• Name a few people you know who prioritize investing in their souls. What difference does that make in their lives?

PRACTICE THIS

Make a list of different priorities in your life. Look at the list and consider where you are investing in your soul.

The Value of a Soul | Part 1

Mark 8:35

In this message, Adrian Rogers describes the value of a soul, and explains why we must be extremely careful not to gamble it for the things of this world.

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Losing Your Soul For Nothing

What a tragic, foolish transaction to exchange the soul for the things of this world.

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