What point to win the world but lose God in the process.

That is the ultimate question, the starkest calculation of the soul. It cuts through every earthly ambition and asks about eternal value. It is the wisdom of Christ himself.

Here is a poem reflecting on that profound truth.

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The Final Ledger

What profit lies in kingdoms won, Beneath a temporary sun? What gain is found in gold's bright heap, If promises are vain and cheap?

To hold the world within my hand, Yet see my soul like shifting sand— To trade the everlasting Day For shadows that will slip away.

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)

I could possess the praise of all, And stand esteemed,and never fall In mortal eyes—yet lose the gaze Of Him who sets the stars ablaze.

I could be clothed in finest thread, Yet be to truth and spirit dead. I could be filled with richest fare, And find my deepest soul is bare.

For what is given, what is paid? A dreadful,devastating trade. The creature for the Creator lost, A victory that bears eternal cost.

But this the world cannot impart: The peace that mends a broken heart. The grace that washes clean the stain. The hope of life through bitter pain.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

So let me lose the world's vain claim, And treasure most Your holy name. Let every profit count as loss, Compared to glory of the cross.

For to possess the world's whole store, And lose Your presence,is to be poor. But to have You,and nothing of earth— Is to know a wealth of infinite worth.