Mark 8:36 (NIV) – “What good is for someone to gain the whole world yet forfeit their soul?”
Imagine having everything the world offers: fame, fortune, and success, but feeling utterly empty inside. Deon Sanders, a former professional football and baseball player, has no qualms about his faith in God and how it shapes his life. In an interview, he said a person can have a huge house and no home, expensive clothes and not feel good about themselves, expensive shoes, and walking in the wrong direction because they do not have God in their life. He declared that God gives his life meaning.
Reflection
So often, people celebrate athletes and other entertainers for their fortune and primarily for theirs. People like to know how much money their contract is worth, what kind of cars they own, and how many houses they own. In other words, all the things that will fade and crumble while offering nothing meaningful mesmerize people enchanted by celebrities.
Deon Sanders testified that material wealth and worldly accomplishments can never fill the void in our hearts—a void that only a relationship with God can satisfy. Sander’s journey from external extravagance to internal emptiness and finally to peace with God is a powerful testament to the ultimate possession—eternal life.
Supporting Scriptures:
Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus teaches about laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
Psalm 63:1, which expresses the soul’s thirst for God in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
1 Timothy 6:10, which warns of the dangers of the love of money, leading some away from the faith.
Takeaway
This athlete’s story vividly illustrates that humans will never find the peace and fulfillment they desperately need and search for in possessions or status but in a real relationship with God. Our priority should be our spiritual well-being instead of material things.
The athlete’s journey from emptiness to inner peace with God illustrates that the ultimate comfort and peace we seek are not temporal, but rather, they are in the eternal embrace of God. Let this story inspire us to re-examine our pursuits and desires, aligning them with God’s purpose for our lives where we can discover true and lasting peace.
Action Steps
Reflect on Your Priorities: Evaluate what you value most in life. Are your efforts and resources aimed toward material gain, or are you investing in your spiritual growth?
Cultivate Your Relationship with God: Engage in daily prayer, meditate on the Scriptures, and participate in community worship. These practices can deepen your understanding of God’s presence and purpose.
Serve Others: Jesus taught that true greatness comes through serving. Look for opportunities to help those in need, which can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that material wealth cannot.
Simplify Your Life: Consider letting go of unnecessary possessions or activities that distract you from your spiritual journey. A simpler life can lead to greater peace and contentment.
