“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Matthew 16:26
I used to believe that when someone died, the person’s soul would remain for a time before rising into heaven. The body would simply lie there like a machine with no oil, all of the components shut down, never to be used again.
Since then, my understanding of the human soul has developed, and I know that there is no biblical foundation for thinking that a soul hangs around to see his loved ones mourn over his lifeless body. Yet the Bible certainly speaks of the difference between the body (our physical components) and the soul (our spiritual components). One will inevitably pass away, while the other lives on.
The psalmist describes his soul as thirsting for God, being satisfied in the Lord, and clinging to Him. Your soul is more important than you realize, and, like the body, it needs to be taken care of. Feed it with Scripture; comfort it with prayer; help it grow with devotion to Christ.
What good would it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet lose his soul? None at all. But in gaining Jesus, he would have everything!
Since then, my understanding of the human soul has developed, and I know that there is no biblical foundation for thinking that a soul hangs around to see his loved ones mourn over his lifeless body. Yet the Bible certainly speaks of the difference between the body (our physical components) and the soul (our spiritual components). One will inevitably pass away, while the other lives on.
The psalmist describes his soul as thirsting for God, being satisfied in the Lord, and clinging to Him. Your soul is more important than you realize, and, like the body, it needs to be taken care of. Feed it with Scripture; comfort it with prayer; help it grow with devotion to Christ.
What good would it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet lose his soul? None at all. But in gaining Jesus, he would have everything!
Scripture Focus
Psalm 63
Insight
Without the soul there would be no life. Cling to the Lord who gave you more than the world could ever offer.
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 17-18
- Psalm 70
- John 11
