What’s Really Worth It?


Today’s Verses:
Mark 8:36
ESV

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?


As the week comes to an end, it’s easy to get caught up in measuring success by what we accomplish, reaching our goals, or how much money we make. But Jesus cuts through all that in Mark 8:36 with a powerful question: “What good is it if you gain the whole world and lose your soul?”

This isn’t just about being greedy or famous. It’s about the small choices we make every day—choosing comfort over our beliefs, reputation over our faith, or getting things done instead of praying. In our rush to succeed, we can think that the world’s approval is what really matters. But Jesus reminds us: our souls are worth more than every paycheck, every achievement, every “like” or title.

From a Lutheran perspective, this truth becomes even clearer: we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. That’s not just a bunch of fancy words—it’s a shift in our perspective. Our souls aren’t something we earn or build. They’re something Christ has already saved for us at the cost of His own life.

So as you head into the weekend, take a moment to think about it. Don’t just rest from work, but also from the pressure to prove yourself. Your soul, safe in Christ, is already more valuable than anything the world can offer.  

Prayers

A Prayer for Today:

Loving Father, remind me today of what truly matters. Teach me to treasure the eternal over the temporary. Thank You for saving my soul through Your Son, not because I earned it, but because You love me. Help me walk in that freedom this weekend. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Luther’s Morning Prayer:

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen. 


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A Song for Today


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