Is Christianity Worth It?
By Rick Warren
“What profit is there if you gain the whole world — and lose eternal life? What can be compared with the value of eternal life?” (Matthew 16:26 TLB).
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If our hope in Christ is good for this life only and no more, then we [Christians] deserve more pity than anyone else in all the world” (GNT).
Why does Paul say this? For one thing, it isn’t easy to live for Christ in a world that doesn’t like Christ.
So here’s one of the most important questions you can ever answer. Is Christianity worth it?
Everything in life has a price tag. Anytime you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. Is the prize worth the price in following Christ?
In Matthew 16:26 Jesus says, “What profit is there if you gain the whole world — and lose eternal life? What can be compared with the value of eternal life?” (TLB).
Some people are trading their soul for worldly things — such as money, fame, and materialism. Your soul is worth so much more.
Paul realized this. When Paul shares his testimony in Philippians 3:7-8, he says, “I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ” (NLT).
Paul realized that nothing — no status, no amount of money, no pleasure — is worth more than Jesus.
We need a new definition of success. Real, meaningful success isn’t based on what we have, our appearance, or in “feeling good.” Real success comes from living our lives by God’s values — and the ultimate reward of enjoying eternity in Heaven.
Play today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>
Talk It Over:
- Why do you think so many people trade their souls for money, fame, and pleasure?
- If you hear family and friends question the value of Christianity, how might you respond?
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
A Toolbox For Life Study Kit
Get the skills you need to succeed in life!
Desire and determination simply aren’t enough to succeed in life. Success isn’t about working hard… It’s about working smart, God’s way.
That’s what you’ll learn how to do with Pastor Rick’s Toolbox for Life Study Kit.
We’ll send you the Toolbox for Life Study Kit as thanks for your gift to Daily Hope this month, so request your copy when you give below.
We pray it helps you build the biblical skills you need for success!
This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
