Saving our souls
by Colleen Fitzpatrick
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What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 8:36)
Read Mark 8:31–38
The stories of Faust, The Picture of Dorian Gray and similar tales provide an interesting parallel to the story of the Fall. They portray people who make a deal in order to obtain wealth, knowledge or eternal youth. The stories don’t end well! And, of course, things didn’t go so well for Adam and Eve either – good examples of gaining the world and losing much more.
Life in Australia today seems to be pretty good for many of us. We have a high standard of living; wages are on the way up; the homes we have invested in are increasing in value … I could go on. Simultaneously, the news is full of stories of anger and aggression at a local level and unprecedented levels internationally. The ads for some shows on TV are enough to brand us as an adulterous and sinful community. Have we also forfeited our souls in gaining the whole world?
What should our aim in life be? What concerns of God can we focus on? Jesus told the assembled crowd and his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow him. We are being called to a life of discipleship, self-denial, obedience and loyalty – loyalty even to death. The prophet Micah put it this way: ‘He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?’ (Micah 6:8). This seems like a good way to avoid forfeiting one’s soul and avoid making the Son of Man ashamed of us when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your saving love and your saving gospel. Help me to live my life in a way that brings you glory and does not bring shame to your name. Grant me wisdom to see where justice is needed and to do it. Help me to love kindness and treat everyone with kindness – even those I find challenging. Give me humility so that I may have a servant heart and see your face in all people and treat all with dignity and respect. Amen.
Colleen has one husband, two daughters, three granddaughters and a wide range of extended family and friends. She lives in Adelaide and loves the way the various parts of her life intersect. Colleen is involved in numerous committees within the church and community. She loves to read. Colleen coordinates her congregation’s prayer group and is delighted to respond to requests for prayer from friends and family.
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