Soul Goal
December 10, 2005
What will a man give in exchange for his soul? –Matthew 16:26
I recently read a story about a lady named Rose Martin. Rose was an original owner of a Chevrolet Corvair and she loved that car. The low-slung, rear-engine vehicle was a popular model in the 1960s, until consumer advocate Ralph Nader pronounced it a casket on wheels, owing to it’s now-infamous tendency to roll over in low speed maneuvers. Rose, however, ignored the warnings and drove her Corvair around her hometown in Rhode Island for 36 years. She kept it functioning – no matter what the cost. So, when she died in May 1998, her relatives and friends were not surprised by her desire to be buried in her cherished white Chevy. (One of those things that make you say, “Hmmmm!”)
Most of us don’t feel that sentimental about our cars (imagine that!). However, some us, like Rose, may ignore the warnings that are readily apparent, and hold on to our own preferences, even if though it’s costly. At our life’s end, though, these choices will be judged – to our credit, or detriment – before our God. Instead of insisting on what suits our flesh, then, we need to be concerned with choosing courses to benefit our undying souls (Matthew 16:26). It’s easy to get distracted by the World around us – and to misalign our priorities.
The rich man in Jesus’ parable had not been concerned about his soul and where he would spend eternity. Then one day God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you” (Luke 12:20). He was caught up in his own life and interests to the exclusion of his spiritual welfare. His Corvair had rolled over – and he was caught unprepared.
The all-important issue: Are we headed for Heaven and eternity with our Lord or eternal separation from God and all that is good? What is the goal for our souls?
HOW TO BE SURE OF HEAVEN:
Admit that we don’t deserve heaven (Romans 3:23).
Believe that Jesus is our only hope (John 3:16; 14:6).
Put our personal faith in Christ (John 1:12; Romans 6:23).
For Advent prayer and meditation: What we go after here determines where we go hereafter.
Grace and peace,
Chip+
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