The High Cost of Living (Author Unknown, Provided by Student Discipleship Ministries, TX)

Matthew 16:24-27 (NIV) says:

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 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? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.'"

What does Jesus say about "profit" in this passage? How do you think that relates to your life?

When the city of Pompeii was excavated, the body of a woman was found, embalmed by the ashes of Vesuvius. Her feet were pointed in the direction of the city gate, but her face was turned back in the direction of her outstretched hand. Just beyond her frozen fingers was found a bag of pearls. In her flight to save her life she had hesitated, though death was hot on her heels. Her hesitation likely cost her life. Was a bag of pearls really worth that price?

How much is real life worth to you? What is it that you are reaching out for that could cut you off from the life the Lord has for you? Sometimes the very thing we want most may cost us more than we ever dreamed. Think about that area and make a choice to turn away from it, turning your face toward the Lord.