Lost in 2017

I am sure you have seen the list of those who died in 2017 who are considered by our society to be important. It has been online, and on TV, and in lots of other places.

In 2017, the world lost entertainers and leaders, activists and icons. (Time)

As I read over the list, I was reminded of Scripture. Jesus said, For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world yet lose his life? What can a man give in exchange for his life? (Mark 8:36-37)

I have no idea how many, if any or all, of these people were Believers. Redemption is available to anyone who will believe that Jesus Christ died to ransom him/her from the curse of sin and death. To one degree or another the folks who made this list were known, revered, famous, important, successful, etc. They had gained a lot of the World’s attention, and undoubtedly a portion of it’s treasure.

If they did not “come to faith” prior to their death, they will spend eternity separated from God.  If that is the case for any one of them, I wonder what would they give in exchange regarding their success from the World’s perspective to have eternal life instead. Perhaps everything they achieved.

No matter what one  may gain of this World’s goods, or fame, or importance, or success from any perspective, ultimately it only matters who possesses one’s soul. It either belongs to us, or to Him who is life.