What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?

Today, I was missing all my material wealth, comforts and earthly success that I used to have.

I was on my way to a barbecue area next to a lake in Cape Town. The area became a special place for me because it led to the conceptualisation of the “Stone Fire Community”.

This concept was born as I was talking to God, asking him what my purpose in life was. Suddenly, I realised that so much of my life was linked to “pastoral” work. This insight helped me make sense of some of the threads in my life that I had previously been unable to connect.

As I was thinking this, I arrived at a “stone fire” barbecue area. I felt drawn to it, and this is when the “Stone Fire Community” started – essentially a website, but later a small group of people that still meet.

I returned home, still somewhat missing where I used to be in life – successful with adequate earthly things.

Then Jesus' words came into my mind: "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul?”  I then read more about the verse and its many meanings, so here is a mini-article.

Jesus and the Soul

The phrase "what shall it profit a man" is from Mark 8:36 and Matthew 16:26, where Jesus poses the question, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul?" This question serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise spiritual well-being over material gain and worldly success. 

Elaboration:

The question highlights the ultimate value of the human soul in comparison to the transient nature of worldly possessions and achievements. It suggests that even if a person were to acquire all the wealth, fame, power, and pleasures the world offers, it would be a hollow victory if their soul is lost. 

Key themes explored based on this verse:

·         The Soul's Intrinsic Value: The soul is presented as something of infinite worth, far exceeding the value of anything in the material world.

·         The Temporary Nature of Earthly Possessions: The verse reminds us that worldly gains are temporary and ultimately pass away, while the state of one's soul is eternal. 

·         The Importance of Spiritual Priorities: The question challenges individuals to examine their priorities and ensure that they are not sacrificing their spiritual well-being for the sake of worldly pursuits. 

·         The Concept of Eternal Life: The verse implicitly contrasts the temporary nature of earthly life with the eternal life that is offered through faith in Christ. 

In essence, the question "What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul?" is a call to self-reflection, repentance and a reminder to consider the long-term consequences of one's earthly choices. 

Peter W. Guess

28 July 2025

Curated with Gemini AI