Every businessman knows to some extent what it means to sell "short". The primary reason in most cases is not being fully aware of the true value of what one has to sell. King Solomon, whom God declared none would ever equal in wisdom and knowledge, said in one of his proverbs, "It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when be goeth his way, then he boasteth." The buyer always likes a good bargain, and one way to get it, as Solomon points out, is to minimize the value of the product the seller has to sell. When the buyer has made the purchase, then he can go his way boasting what a good deal he made. This is deceitful on the part of the buyer but the seller can't blame anyone but himself because he was not fully aware of the value of the product he had to sell and thus sold "short". When the Son of God was here upon earth, He revealed the value of a man's soul in asking the all-important quest-ion: "For what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26) History never has and never will record any human being who has ever possessed the title deed to the whole world, and, if anyone could gain the whole world he would reap more sorrow than satisfaction therefrom. A distinguished man of letters once received an honor which raised him to the highest pinnacle of earthly fame, an honor which he had long coveted as his highest ambition, and this is how he spoke of the fulfillment of his desire: "The dream of the reality was better than the reality of the dream." The Bible says, "A man's life consisteth not of the abundance of this world's goods." (Luke 12:15) No human heart can ever be satisfied with the things of earth therefore, it is very important that all men look to the "God of Salvation" of whom King David said: "He satisfieth the longing soul and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." (Psalm 107:9) Losses sustained by selling "short" in the market square of time brings sadness for a moment, but to sell "short" one's precious soul, which is of more value than the whole world, for the fleeting things of time will be the eternal regret and remorse for everyone who does so. The Lord Jesus declared "Hell" to be a place where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched. The hymn writer has written as follows: To lose one's wealth is much, To lose one's health is more, Dear friend: Christ died on the Cross and bore the penalty for your sins to save you from hell. He loved you unto "death", even the cruel "death" of the Cross, so don't sell your soul "short". Come to Him just as you are (a sinner) and accept Him as your Savior and know the joy of sins forgiven through faith in Him alone. God's Word that shall never pass away declares, "He that believeth on the Son of God hath ever-lasting life and He that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:36) Will you not choose today the way of life and then you will not be selling your soul "short". -W. G. McCartney |