If God valued money the most, he would have taught us how to earn and save it. If God valued our friendships the most, he would have taught us to value our friends above anything else. God’s values are different from the world’s ideas. God values a person’s soul more than their earthly life. If we share God’s priorities, we will too.

Jesus asked his disciples, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” People have always valued the things they could measure. Sadly, God’s people can fall into that same mistake. We can value money, but we shouldn’t value it most. We can value our friends, but we shouldn’t value them most. 

We should value what our money can do for God’s kingdom. We should value our friend’s soul more than we value their friendship. When we share God’s values, we will care more about things eternal than the things of this world. Why did Jesus teach us to live with eternal priorities?

Jesus said, “What can a man give in return for his soul?” Those are sobering words to reflect upon. The parable of the rich young ruler ends with him walking away from God’s will for the sake of his possessions. The stories of Jesus’ encounters with the Pharisees and Sadducees reveal them ignoring God’s eternal plan for the sake of their own. In the end, there is nothing a person can do if they have forfeited their soul.

Which investments will earn the highest profit? 

God’s word teaches us that every person we meet has an eternal soul. Investing in a person’s soul is our great priority. God’s priorities are wisdom. God values the eternal more than the things of this earth. 

Will we wisely do the same?