What Does It Profit a Man?

“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?” Matthew 16:26

 

This lesson from the Bible has always struck me deeply, though I never fully understood why—until recently.

I was out for a run today, reflecting on my life and wondering what my legacy will be.

 

Will my children remember me fondly?

 

Have I made a real difference?

 

Have I honored my stepdad and the sacrifices he made for us through the way I’ve lived?

 

That’s when it hit me: this verse isn’t just about losing your soul to greed or power—it’s about forgetting what really matters. It’s about losing yourself in pursuit of things that don’t last.

 

Two men come to mind when I think about this truth. Both are in the same profession.

 

The first man built a successful business.

 

He was savvy, made a lot of money, and created a beautiful place for his customers.

 

But he cheated people to get there.

 

He now lives comfortably, retired, though his family life suffered and he battled addiction.

The second man ran the same kind of business, but his place was humble—nothing fancy.

 

He was honest and always tried to help others.

 

When I asked him why he didn’t charge more, he said, “Bert, I’ll be working my whole life.”

 

Another time, I saw him staying late.

 

When I asked why, he said, “Someone’s stuck here with their family. I want to help them.”

 

Years later, the second man fell ill.

 

He developed a tumor that changed his appearance, but he kept working, still serving others.

 

And I’ll be honest—sometimes it feels unfair.

 

The man who cheated others lives in comfort.

 

The man who served others carries scars.

 

But here’s what I’ve learned as a coach: the second man has something far more valuable than wealth—he has heart.

 

I love helping people like him, because when someone with that kind of heart learns to love themselves, to fill their own cup, they become unstoppable.

 

When they learn to put on their own oxygen mask first, they don’t just help people—they change lives.

 

As for the first man, I don’t judge him, but I do feel sad for him.

 

Because no one who cheats others truly wins.

 

You can’t have a happy ending to an unhappy journey.

 

No matter how beautiful the retirement looks, the soul remembers every shortcut. And without peace, there’s no true success.

 

My stepdad lived like that second man. He helped people. He gave of himself. And through him, I learned that there’s a better way—a more honest, fulfilling way—to live.

 

That’s why I do what I do.

 

I help the second man (or woman  ) become stronger—without losing their heart.

 

Because when people like that rise, they make the world better for all of us.

 

Imagine a world where we all helped everyone we could.

 

It would be unrecognizable.

 

And I pray for that unrecognizable world to become our new normal.

 

If you’d like help growing into that stronger, healthier, more fulfilled version of yourself, reply and let’s set up a short call.

 

Or if you’d like to join my next group coaching class, reply and I’ll send you the details.

 

In the meantime—keep taking care of yourself.

 

Fill your cup.

Love deeply.

Live fully.

 

Much love,

Bert