“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26 ESV)
A basic component of the economics, especially in Capitalism, is the concept of profit and loss. What exactly is meant by this phrase?
Profit and loss (P&L) are financial statements that summarize the revenues, costs, and expenses incurred during a specified period, usually a quarter or a year. It provides information about a company’s ability to generate profit by increasing revenue, reducing costs, or both. P&L statements are often presented on a cash or accrual basis. Company managers and investors use P&L statements to analyze the financial health of a company.
What does the concept of profit and loss have to do with the condition of an individual’s soul? Jesus referred to P&L in today’s text. He raised two questions.
The first question is, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” The scenario Jesus paints is a stark and serious one.
The word profit (ὠφελέω; opheleo) refers to some benefit, aid and/or good. (See Prov. 10:2; Isa. 30:5, 6; 44:9; 47:12; 57:12; Jer. 2:11; 7:8; 12:13; 23:32; Hab. 2:18). The word gains (κερδαίνω; kerdaino) means to make a profit. In effect, Jesus asked what profit was there in profiting the entire world, when doing so results in forfeiting or losing one’s soul?
The second question is similar to the first. “Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” In other words, what is the rate of exchange that an individual is willing to give in order to redeem their soul?
John Calvin writes, “None can be reckoned to be the disciples of Christ unless they are true imitators of him, and are willing to pursue the same course.”
“To be a Christian means engaging in the lifelong pursuit of conformity to the teaching and example of Christ. We are united to our Lord by faith in Him alone (Phil. 3:9), and then we prove that faith over the course of our lives by obeying our Savior and following Him as our example,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“Whoever thinks only or even mainly of his own ease, comfort, popularity, prestige, opulence, etc., lacks love and outgoingness. It is love that causes the soul to expand, impart riches, usefulness, joy and satisfaction,” writes Dr. William Hendriksen.
“Selfishness causes the soul to contract; love makes it expand, enriches it, fills it to overflowing with assurance, peace and joy. Do not seek to possess the whole world. That will mean loss. Leave the matter of receiving a reward to the Son of Man. He, at His coming, will reward every man according to his deeds.”
Soli deo Gloria!
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