In 1867, United States Secretary of State William H. Seward helped the U.S. purchase Alaska for just 7.2 million dollars. With 365 million acres, that comes out to just two cents per acre. Amazingly, what seems like a great deal now was not universally approved at the time. Many people thought the land was unusable. Critics of the deal named it “Seward’s Folly” and thought that Seward made a huge mistake.
When gold was discovered in the northwest part of Canada in 1896, Alaska became a gateway to the ensuing gold rush. In World War II, Alaska became an important military outpost. In appreciation for its importance to the country, Alaska became the United States’ 49th state in 1959. Seward’s “mistake” became a great blessing to his country and one of his best decisions.
In Philippians 3:5–8, Paul lists several things that he had to give up when he became a Christian. He was an important leader in the Jewish religion with an impressive pedigree. In verse seven, Paul says, “What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” Many of Paul’s fellow Jews, family members, and coworkers must have thought he was making a mistake by giving those things up for Jesus. They may have even laughed when referring to “Paul’s folly.”
Philippians 3:8 says that Paul counted those things as dung (rubbish) compared to what he gained in Jesus. To Paul, his “mistake” was the best decision he ever made. One of the last things Paul wrote was his hopeful promise that “there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day.” Thankfully, for us, Paul says, “not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). That can be you and me.
Is there anything in your life that you need to change in order to save your soul—though others might call that change a mistake?
If you leave sin or turn from your denomination, people you love may tell you that you are making a mistake. Jesus promises us that such a decision will be the best “mistake” we ever make. Just like God sent Ananias (Acts 9:10–12) and Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6) to Paul, God will send people to help you. If you are ready to make a “mistake” for Jesus, we are here to help you.
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21
