Thursday, February 14, 2013

February 15, 2013

"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
 
Well, you are already reaping the benefits of this 40+ Day emphasis!
 
How so?
 
Your preacher has been convicted already! Yes, already! This early into the study it has already stomped on all ten of my toes!
 
In reading and watching the video for Sunday service and LIFE group Steve DeNeff made me squirm when he made the point that so many Christians (aka - preachers) have focused so hard on "saving" souls they have failed to adequately teach on the signficance of the soul. It is necessary to teach both to emphasize the importance of each.
 
This is my moment of shame and I won't drag you into it by asking you if you have ever done the same.
 
Ouch! Thank you Holy Spirit! It hurts so good!
 
I have repented of this error and will begin mid-course corrections immediately. Hopefully you will benefit as I refocus my teaching and preaching for the next couple of months.
 
By implication, Jesus makes it sound like losing your soul would be the worst possible loss. He makes a strong value statement when He claims that "gaining the whole world" is not worth losing your soul over.

Do I REALLY believe that?

Do you?

When I stand back and look at how I actually live my life does the evidence show that I value my soul more than I do acquiring and accomplishing worldly gain? As I think about how I spend my time, my money and my energy am I investing in my soul or in my status?

What am I giving in exchange for my soul?

That makes me re-evaluate the significance of my soul. It makes me seriously re-examine my priorities, my passions and my purpose. I have and I will continue to do so!

Does that qualify as a "soulshift"?