ArcaMax

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: A friend dealt me a great blow when he said I was living to make money and be successful. He gave me a Bible verse that warns about a man gaining the whole world but losing his soul. I make money and I give to others. Why is that so bad? – W.W.

A: There was once a man aboard a sinking ship. He ran to his cabin and grabbed a moneybag containing his life savings. As he jumped from the ship, he missed the lifeboat and fell into the water, the bag weighing him down. He had a choice to make: hold on to the bag and maybe lose his life, or let it go and save his life. He didn’t hesitate. He let the bag sink to the bottom of the ocean and navigated the waters to safety. The money he worked so long for suddenly meant nothing.

An executive thrived on Wall Street. His total conversation was about stocks and bonds – it’s all he thought about. As he approached his twilight years, he fed on the glories of investment success, never giving thought to the fact that one day he would die and leave his greatest love behind for another to enjoy, while he lost his soul.

Earthbound isn’t forever. There’s coming a day when each person will die and face eternity. This is why the Bible tells us to prepare for death and warns us that we cannot know when death will come.

The Bible’s message is concerned with Earth dwellers – with their origin, the reason for their existence, the cause of their misery, and the plan of redemption for their fallen race. God’s gift is to human souls. He desires we live for Him and is preparing a place for us in eternity. Mankind is called by God to be wise and submit to Him, serve Him, and be ready to meet the Lord Jesus one day face to face.

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.