We have been talking about what it means to succeed in life. Is it about having an ego? We recently asked are you fed up with the world telling you, you need an ego? We offered an alternative way of thinking, and that was to do what Jesus said and that is to serve one another.
Well, we came across another scripture in the book of Mark, in chapter 8 verse 36, displayed below.
So, lets unpack this scripture a little. What Jesus is saying here is, you can go your way in the world and have an ego. However, if you go that way, you will likely forfeit your soul. Because to gain the whole world you need to ask yourself what kind of person you are going to become. Will you become someone who needs a toxic ego in order to succeed and need constant adoration from people. Ask yourself where can an ego lead? Will it trample over who knows who damaging many lives in the process.
When we say gain the whole word, it can be someone who has toxic ambition, they need to own 10 houses, 5 cars, own a huge business, and say it was me who created all of this, and they will look proudly at themselves thinking they are something special.
But the Christian perspective is very different. It says in the book of Romans that we are all sinners unworthy to boast about ourselves, here is the scripture.
Romans 3:23
23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
This includes people who think they have succeeded in life because of their great achievements. Are we as Christians being mean and horrible by saying this, no, we just believe in the truth that the Bible gives us and believe it is true. Here is what God says about storing up wealth in the book of Matthew, here is the scripture.
Matthew 6:19-21
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
What Jesus is telling us is this. Wealth means nothing in this world, one day we will leave this world and what us Christians believe is you will either make it to heaven or not. But if you do make it to heaven then there your treasure will be waiting for you determined on how you have lived your life, and it will be waiting for you for all eternity.
It is your right in a democracy to live how you want to, however think of the alternative, you may well have done well for 70 to 100 years, depending on how long you live, but eternity is a different matter altogether and you could end up with nothing but misery for all eternity (that’s a long time).
We have good news for you today.
If you are someone who has gained the whole world or has been hugely successful and believe it was all your own doing, but have now realised you are a sinner who needs forgiveness because of all the damage a toxic ego has done, then that is possible.
Over 2000 years ago Jesus came into this world to willingly be crucified on a cross to take the punishment for our sins. He stood in our place making those who believe in him righteous and as white as snow before God, this includes people who have gained great wealth through toxic egos and arrogance.
Visit our family service.
If you would like to know more about the good news that you can start afresh then visit us. Come along to our family service taking place every Sunday. We are happy to answer any questions you have. Doors open at 10.45am for free refreshments and drinks. Our service then starts at 11.15am.