"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26)

Clarence Darrow, the great criminal lawyer, had among his friends a young minister. This seems strange, because, as you remember, Darrow was usually thought of as an atheist, infidel, agnostic, or what have you.

They were talking one day and Mr. Darrow became reminiscent. He talked of his career and some of the famous trials in which he had been the lawyer for the defense. He said, "This has been an exciting life." He made at least a comfortable fortune and he guessed he might be regarded as somewhat of a success. Then Mr. Darrow asked, "Would you like to know my favorite Bible verse?" His friend said, "Indeed I would." Mr. Darrow said, "You will find it in Luke 5:5. 'We've toiled all the night and have taken nothing.'" He added, "In spite of my success that verse seems to sum up the way I feel about life."

No matter what one does in life, no matter what position he may obtain, and no matter what he might come to own, if he leaves God out, the time will come when life itself will rise up and mock him with the word -- nothing -- nothing! (From William R. Pettrigrew)

We add to the above the words of Jesus in the parable of the rich fool, "And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:19-21)