In Mark 8:36 [“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?”] is one of Jesus Christ’s famous sayings, which is also one of the most difficult to follow. It has to do with what we consider the “most important thing” in our life. As we would say, “It is [or It means] the whole world to me!”
To many people, the most important thing in life is “success” – often in terms of financial, social or intellectual status. It could mean having all the wealth and fame one could obtain.
Now, let me hasten to add that having all this is not wrong by itself, or that it is not God’s will for us. On the contrary, Jesus commands and promises: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). By “all things” Jesus meant all our physical needs (food, clothing and shelter, Verse 25).
It is, then, a matter of priorities: what counts first and foremost to us? Jesus says it must be God’s kingdom – our being under or subject to the rule of Christ – and having His righteousness – His power to obey God’s commandments, which are righteousness (Psalm 119:172).
The problem with all of us is one which our first parents. Adam and Eve, found themselves in, because Satan – God’s enemy, in disguise as a wily serpent – got them to disobey God’s prohibition (Genesis 1-3). [See: “Your Eyes Will be Opened!”]
As a result, this present world in which all of us their descendants have lived has all been under Satan’s sway (1 John 5:19). Satan has so thoroughly deceived us that we all have sought after the “world” which he offers: “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15-16).
Before we become converted (changed) through God’s word and the power of God’s Spirit, we were overwhelmed by the lust of our flesh and eyes which led us to sin or transgress against God’s laws (mostly found in the first five books of the Old Testament of the Holy Bible). We had a “carnal mind,” which is hostile to God’s law (Romans 8:7). All of mankind [except Christ, Hebrews 4:15] has sinned and justly earned the penalty of death (Romans 3:23; 6:23) – the “second death” in the “Lake of fire” at the Last Judgment (Revelation 20:14; 21:8), which is what Jesus meant by “losing one’s own soul.” [See: “The Carnal Mind.”]
Our “pride of life” keeps us from admitting that what we lust after or covet becomes an “idol” which we worship in place of the true God! The apostle Paul wrote that “covetousness… is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). And Revelation 21:8 lists among those to perish in the “second death” those who are “idolaters” – those who practice idolatry or worship idols.
Whatever one covets or lusts after intensely or even consummates becomes “the whole world” to him – he has “gained” it! But Jesus calls all of us sinners to repent, or else perish (Luke 13:3, 5) – “lose one’s own soul.” Instead, we will receive everlasting life and be saved.
May all that I have written on this website help you on the road to real repentance and salvation in Christ!
Pedro R. Meléndez, Jr.
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