by J.R. Miller
"Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890
"What shall it profit a man–if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26
That is putting the case in its most favorable light! The whole world is the largest possible gain. But suppose a man does gain the whole world–it cannot keep him from trouble; it cannot give him peace of conscience; it cannot comfort him in sorrow; it cannot make a soft pillow for him when he is dying; it cannot purchase Heaven for him when he is gone!
All that he can do with the world, after he has it–is to keep it for a short time until he dies! He cannot carry any part of it with him into eternity!
"How much did he leave?" asked one, referring to a millionaire who had just died. "Every cent!" was the reply. He left all. So it is easy to see that there is no profit–but rather a fearful and eternal loss, in gaining even all the world–at the price of one’s soul.