Is Christianity Worth It?

by Rick Warren — April 11, 2021
From A Toolbox for Life

“What profit is there if you gain the whole world—and lose eternal life? What can be compared with the value of eternal life?”

Matthew 16:26 (TLB)

The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If our hope in Christ is good for this life only and no more, then we [Christians] deserve more pity than anyone else in all the world” (GNT).

Why does Paul say this? For one thing, it isn’t easy to live for Christ in a world that doesn’t like Christ.

So here’s one of the most important questions you can ever answer: Is Christianity worth it?

Everything in life has a price tag. Anytime you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. Is the prize worth the price of following Christ?

In Matthew 16:26 Jesus says, “What profit is there if you gain the whole world—and lose eternal life? What can be compared with the value of eternal life?” (TLB).

Some people trade their souls for worldly things—like money, fame, and materialism. Your soul is worth so much more.

Paul realized this. When Paul shares his testimony in Philippians 3:7-8, he says, “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (NLT).

Paul realized nothing—no status, no amount of money, no pleasure—is worth more than Jesus.

We need a new definition of success. Real, meaningful success isn’t based on what you have, your appearance, or feeling good. Real success comes from living your life by God’s values. And it comes with the ultimate reward of enjoying eternity in heaven.

Talk It Over

  • Why do you think so many people chase after money, fame, and pleasure?
  • What things, other than Christ, are you tempted to chase after?
  • Why do you think Christianity is worth it?

What have you spent your life chasing?

Real success comes from living your life by God’s values. Are you ready to start living for Jesus today? If you are, here’s a prayer you can start with:

“Dear God, I know when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I’ve counted the cost of following Jesus, and I’ve decided it’s worth it. I want to turn away from my sins and toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all I’ve done wrong so I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough to get into heaven, a perfect place.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

If you prayed the prayer above, please write and tell me at [email protected]. I’d like to send you some materials as you begin your journey with Jesus.


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