#1 - It is possible to gain the whole world.
#2 - But what good is it?
A couple of weeks ago we witnessed the NFL Draft - a day that many kids dream about. While there are plenty of kids in the world who think they are going to play professional ball, these are the guys that at one point in life knew they had a legitimate shot at making it to the Pros. The money that these guys get paid is unreal...and that doesn't even bring into consideration the endorsements, incentives to make more money, and the recognition. Not only do these guys get to fulfill a life-long dream of playing professional football, but they get their dream job.
I say all of that because of another incident involving a former NFL player that took place this week: the death of Junior Seau. Seau was a very accomplished football player (one of the best at his position). He spent many years with the San Diego Chargers before finishing up his career in New England. He came into the NFL in 1990 as the 5th overall pick and retired in 2010. He died from what has been reported as self-inflicted gunshot wounds at the age of 43.
Folks, I don't know what was going on in his life. I'm not even sure if the investigation into his death is final. However, what I do know is this: A man who was only 5 years older than me, who at one time had the world in the palm of his hand, is dead. This is a tragic story and unfortunately this type of tragedy happens every single day. Men, Women, and Young people who leave this world long before they should. It's truly heart-breaking.
You don't have to live very long in this life to recognize that you CAN have it all. You can have the money, the relationships, the possession, the prestige, etc. - if you are willing to make it happen. The history of our nation has been forged by men and women who never gave up in adversity and were willing to pay the price to make their dreams a reality. The only question that needs to be answered is: Is it enough?
You can gain the whole world, but if you lose your soul in the process what have you really gained?
Jesus said in the verses preceding:
"If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it.
BUT (and this is a huge "but") if you give up your life for my sake and the sake of the Good News, you will find true life." {This come from Mark 8:35 NLT}
Please take notice of what Jesus is saying. He is not saying that you cannot earn great wealth. He is not saying that you cannot have nice things. He is not saying that following Him is a rigid "do/don't do" type of life. All He IS saying is that you can only find true life when you learn to give yours over to Him. This is the way our lives were meant to be lived. We were created to be worshipers and followers of God. This only happens when we learn to lay aside any selfish desires and find all of our fulfillment in Him.
Does that mean you can never play professional ball?
Does that mean you can only play certain types of music as a musician?
Does that mean you have to be a pastor or a missionary?
NO! NO! NO! NO! And...again...NO!
What it does mean is that you will find the truest meaning in life when you learn to make Jesus your priority. You will also discover that many of the dreams that you have for yourself were actually God's dreams before they were yours. This life isn't a matter of not being able to do some of the things you want to do but we just learn how to make Him Lord in every area. Then you can experience the blessings of abundant life in every area.
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