Professional Successes and Personal Losses (Matthew 16:26)

During the early part of my career, I turned my back on God. The reasons are complex but at the heart was my sinful nature. I gave in to the lust of the eyes, lust of the mind, and the pride of the flesh. I was fanatical about succeeding in my career and while my professional success grew, my personal losses accelerated.

I recall one forlorn evening, walking through my empty home and looking at my diplomas and awards that were on my wall. I recounted broken relationships that resulted from my determined desire to excel at my career, at any cost, regardless of whom I hurt. I thought back to others who attempted to help me along the way only to be rejected by my haughty and selfish spirit. I lamented the weak excuses I gave to acquire material possessions that could somehow make up for the spiritual void in my life.

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Matthew 16:26

Indeed, what can a man give in return for his soul? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

At that point, I had no where to turn but to the ground. I fell on my hands and knees and confessed my sins to God and repented in tears. It took time but God redirected me to those with whom I had alienated with my lifestyle. I was able to forgive so many who had hurt me along the way. And most importantly, I was able to once again find fellowship with a Bible believing Church and be surrounded and embraced by God’s family.

God saves us by His grace. We do not deserve the salvation and there is no work we can do to earn His forgiveness.  God owes us nothing. It is only by confessing and repenting of our sins and accepting His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior, that He is able to save our soul.

Professional successes...personal losses...all need to be measured against the standard of God’s love and sacrifice. And until I came to that point in my life, I was truly lost.

Praise God for His mercy and grace!

Love and seek the Lord; seek His will in your life.