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.
Then, think for how much smaller price than 'the whole world' which many people sell their souls for!
Some sell their soul for a few hours' guilty pleasure ! Some sell their soul for a political office ! Some sell their soul for filthy lucre ! Some sell their soul for honor which fades in a day.
They are selling their souls also in many other ways--for pitiable trifles. Like Esau, they are bartering their heavenly birthright for a bowl of stew!
What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Ah! that's the trouble. When the soul is lost there is no way of recovering it.
When we have made our choice, and lived our life, whether right or wrong there is no possibility of changing the results! Life is given to us only once; and if we live it wrongly, there is no chance to live it over again.
A lost soul cannot be gotten back; it is irretrievably lost!
~J. R. Miller~