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Matthew 16:26 - TRUE TREASURE.

Matthew 16:26 (NKJV) For what profit is it 
to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses 
his own soul? Or what will a man give in 
exchange for his soul? 

INTRODUCTION

When we don't know Christ, we make choices 
as though this life were all we have. In 
reality, this life is just the introduction to 
eternity. How we live this brief span, however, 
determines our eternal state. [Life Application SB] 

   When we don't have a relationship with 
Christ, our choices are focused on the here and now, 
as though there were no existence after death. 
In reality, our lives here are the beginning of 
eternity. Our lives and choices here have an impact on 
our eternal existence. Similarly, the reality of 
eternity can have influence on our lives and choices 
here.  
   The cars we drive or the clothes we wear 
may be very fashionable today, but in light of 
eternity, how important should they be? The movies we 
watch and the music we listen to may keep us 
culturally relevant, but do they have value in an 
eternal world? How does eternity shape our 
aspirations for social status or civic honors? These are 
all important questions to ask ourselves and 
answer as God's Word gives us insight. Evaluate 
your lifestyle from an eternal perspective, and 
you may find yourself prioritizing and choosing 
differently. [One Year NLT SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

It is a terribly hard struggle to give up 
your own will and your own way. But this lesson 
learned, you will find rest and peace. Pride, 
selfishness, and ambition must be overcome; your will 
must be swallowed up in the will of Christ. The 
whole life may become one constant love sacrifice, 
every action a manifestation, and every word an 
utterance of love. As the life of the vine circulates 
through stem and cluster, descends into the lower 
fibers, and reaches to the topmost leaf, so will the 
grace and love of Christ burn and abound in the 
soul, sending its virtues to every part of the 
being, and pervading every exercise of body and 
mind.  5BC1090-2 

COMMENTARY 

   Rats! There I was in the shower, soaking 
wet, about to wash my hair, when I spotted my 
shampoo on the bathroom counter. I could skate 
across the slippery tile floor and grab it, but 
instead, I spied another bottle of shampoo right in 
front of me - a flea and tick shampoo for dogs. It 
had been in the shower since our daughter's 
Chihuahua, Hercules, had visited. 
   I doubted dog shampoo would enhance my 
highlights, but it made Hercules's coat shiny. I poured 
a dab in my hand. It smelled good! And on the 
off chance I developed a flea infestation, I'd 
be protected. 
   Substitutes are iffy. I sometimes 
substitute ingredients while baking when I'm out of 
something necessary for the recipe. The results have 
been mixed. Once I accidentally filled my car 
with gasoline instead of diesel fuel, with a 
disastrous outcome. 
   I thought better about using the dog 
shampoo, so I gingerly crept across the tile to nab 
my regular shampoo. As I was drying my hair, I 
wondered what I'd been thinking. 
   Although some things can be substituted, 
some cannot - like living a life with Jesus at 
the center. Occasionally, I fill my day with 
frenzied activity, skipping my devotional time. At 
the end of the day, although I may have 
accomplished much, I feel empty. There is no material 
thing, no one, or nothing that can come close to 
Jesus. Accept no substitutes! Pat Butler Dyson 
   Faith Step: As you do something mindless 
today, like showering or drying your hair, ask 
Jesus if you are substituting anything for Him. 
[Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and 
Zondervan] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Matthew 16:25, 26 - TRUE TREASURE.

https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220330-0903.html 

Matthew 16:24 - SURRENDER ALL.

https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230414-0840.html 

Matthew 16:24 - Deny Self, Pick Up Your 
Cross and Follow Jesus. 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210818-1019.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/