What good will it be for a man if he gains
the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?
—Matthew 16:26
The Roman emperor Charlemagne was buried, not in a sleeping position, but seated on his throne dressed in robes of state.
Legend has it that an open Bible lay on his lap, with a stiff finger pointing to the words “What will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”
A mighty important question, don’t you think?
It nudges us to measure this world, which is temporary, with the next world, which is eternal.
The Living Bible has the verse this way: “What profit is there if you gain the whole world—and lose eternal life?”
The crucial thing is not the question, but the answer.
I’ll step aside and give you the floor, for you are the only one that can write the end of this piece … by giving your answer.
Life here that doesn’t prepare
for life there is an irreversible waste.