Matt RichardsÂ
Matthew 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Reuben loves to play monopoly and was playing it last night with me. (A warning though it can bring out the worst in people.)
I had Mayfair, Park lane, Bond street set but still lost. As I sold all, as I had to pay my debt; Reuben owned the whole board; every property. He was elated and wouldn't let me give up. (I just lasted two more throws before I was bankrupt).
He sat there with every property before him, he was jubilant. He didn't want it to end or leave the table where we played. This reminded me of a sermon illustration I had heard years previously.
He showed the whole family he was the Monopoly King and was revelling in the moment. I said well done Reuben you did brilliant, but you know its time to go to bed; and it all has to go back in the box.
You see that's so much like life; no matter how much we win, how much we accumulate, eventually it all goes back in the box. The houses, the cars, the stuff, all eventually has to go back in the box. We can't take any of it with us.
You know when you die even your body goes back in the box.
The most important thing is not the accumulation of stuff BUT your SOUL.
When you look at the many rich and famous celebrities who have died this year, many were unhappy taking drugs, suicidal. Why? Because stuff, fame, or fortune won't bring you satisfaction and lasting contentment.
It's only a relationship with Jesus having your sin forgiven that will do that.
Prayer:
Father, Thank You for the most important thing and that's not stuff, but Jesus. I don't want to play the game of life and miss You Jesus. Help me to know the beauty of a relationship with You in this coming year in Jesus' Name, Amen.
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