Selling Your Soul
April 25, 2001 • By Ed Wrather
04.25.01
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? - Matthew 16:26.
What would you do to gain the whole world? Sell your soul? What is the price of a soul? For one man in Woodinville, Washington apparently the price is $400.00. On February 1 bidding for the man’s soul began at five cents. The item was listed on ebay as "20 yr-old Seattle boy’s SOUL, hardly used.” Ebay removed the listing and has suspended Adam Burtle from using their service. But not before he sold his soul for $400.00 to a woman in Des Moines, Iowa. Burtle, an atheist, says, "I don’t think she’s going to be able to collect on my soul, to be honest.”
Most likely, you have not literally tried to sell your soul as Adam did. However, it does appear to be a popular concept in our culture with some movies, books, and songs mentioning the selling of the soul. Usually the selling of the soul occurs in more subtle ways. We become locked into our work and the making of money at a certain level to maintain or improve our lifestyle. As a result we neglect the spiritual aspect of our lives. For some it may mean that they never come to a saving knowledge of Jesus as their Lord and Savior. For Christians, it may mean that they are continually ineffective in their witness and service because their focus is on the world.
Jesus tells us clearly how to not sell our souls. He says, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it (Matthew 16:25-26).”
No, the woman in Des Moines will not be able to collect Adam Burtle’s soul. There is, however, One who will. "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works (Matthew 16:27).”
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