by : Pastor Bing Ocampo

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" - Mark 8:36 (KJV)

Profit. Everyone is seeking for profit. A head of the family might be making sacrifices, setting aside his personal needs and interests -making sure his kids and wife are supplied with amenities of life; and we say he's not selfish, an ideal father. But if we try to understand what motivates him to do these things, we can see that his family being provided with their needs makes him happy. By seeing everything well with the people important to him, it gives him a sense of fulfillment. He did it for himself.

Are we really doing the best for ourselves by successfully making providence for our family? Such as buying thousands of shares of stocks that eventually gain double price in the market? There were those who did well to his family ended up broken-hearted in homes for the aged, alone and lonely. Not everyone is thankful for the good things we have done. Do not get me wrong, it's everyone's duty to do just that for our loved ones, but more than that, we have a soul to take care too.

Luke 12.16-20 tells us how God rebuked a rich man because he cared not for his soul. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but suffers the lost of his own soul? Recently, I asked a man how his life has been after winning a major price in the lottery. He doesn't need to work anymore the rest of his life. His children's future is already secured. He said, "Nothing. I think there is no more challenge in life." Unfortunately, he has not accepted the Lord as Savior to this day. "Thou fool. Tonight, I will take back your soul. Who will enjoy all these riches that you cared about?", was the Lord's question to the rich man. We may not be rich. But surely each one of us is up to something we think will make us happy.

Nothing is wrong in being rich, successful or doing what you love to do. Consider however, that the things of this world are temporal. Our soul is eternal. It's about time we make sure we will spend eternity in the presence of the Lord and His angels and our loved ones who are wise enough to secure their own salvation. This is the most profitable venture we can do to give ourselves real favor.

Will you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior? He died on the cross so that your sins may be forgiven. By His stripes all your sickness will be healed.