Week of March 1st, 2026

Encouragement from God's Word

Matthew 16:26
“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

What matters most to you?

During the repentant season of Lent, it is good for us to think about our priorities. The temptation is constantly before us to think about life in worldly ways. What we have or do can shape our identity. How we are regarded by others can influence what we think of ourselves.

Jesus’ words above make it clear that worldly achievements and acquisitions do not shape our identity. In fact, those who think that way, may end up forfeiting eternity for a few years of pleasure. That temptation is real for each of us.

Your true identity comes from Christ who has made you to be a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17). You have been remade by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Now, through faith in him, the reality is that you are filled with the righteousness and perfection of Christ. You are God’s holy child – now and for eternity.

This is your true identity. Regardless of the circumstances of your life, through fath in Jesus you are God’s dearly loved child. Regardless of what the world thinks of you (or if it thinks of you at all), God sees you as his very own. He sees the ways you love and serve others as a reflection of the faith that lives in you.

Christian writer C.S. Lewis said this: “He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.” (The Weight of Glory, p. 34)

You have Jesus Christ as your Savior. You couldn’t have more! That gift of grace is what matters most to a believer.