Is Christianity Worth It?
By Rick Warren
“What profit is there if you gain the whole world—and lose eternal life? What can be compared with the value of eternal life?” Matthew 16:26 (TLB)
The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If our hope in Christ is good for this life only and no more, then we [Christians] deserve more pity than anyone else in all the world” (GNT).
Why does Paul say this? For one thing, it isn’t easy to live for Christ in a world that doesn’t like Christ.
So here’s one of the most important questions you can ever answer: Is Christianity worth it?
Everything in life has a price tag. Anytime you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. Is the prize worth the price of following Christ?
In Matthew 16:26 Jesus says, “What profit is there if you gain the whole world—and lose eternal life? What can be compared with the value of eternal life?” (TLB).
Some people trade their souls for worldly things—like money, fame, and materialism. Your soul is worth so much more.
Paul realized this. When Paul shares his testimony in Philippians 3:7-8, he says, “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (NLT).
Paul realized nothing—no status, no amount of money, no pleasure—is worth more than Jesus.
We need a new definition of success. Real, meaningful success isn’t based on what you have, your appearance, or feeling good. Real success comes from living your life by God’s values. And it comes with the ultimate reward of enjoying eternity in heaven.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Discover Your Purpose—and Feed Your Soul!
Get immersed in the transforming power of God’s Word with Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life: Scriptures and Reflections from the 40 Days of Purpose.
This inspirational gift book is a richly designed hardback that weaves Scripture pages with lined reflection pages to give you the perfect resource for meditating on God’s Word.
Drawing central themes and Bible verses from Pastor Rick’s timeless classic, Daily Inspiration is an ideal companion to The Purpose Driven Life—or a standalone journal for your personal devotions.
Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life is our thanks for your gift to help Daily Hope share the Gospel with people around the world.
And if you’re able to become a Partner in Hope with your first monthly gift below, we’ll also send you an exclusive Daily Hope welcome gift to say thanks!
Start every day uplifted and encouraged by God’s Word with Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life—request yours when you give below today. Thank you!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
Share this