Times Zero

Nº 356

May 27, 2025

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. - Jim Elliot

I often challenge my bright, astute, and delightful grandkids with age-appropriate math problems. We add, subtract, multiply, and divide. What’s 5+3? What’s 10-8? Or what’s 3x10? What’s 21/7?

I like to conclude the math challenge sessions with a rapid-fire string of big-number calculations, but I always end it the same way. What is 3,497 - 281 + 3,645 - 218 + 1,397 + 143 x 0? The ‘times zero’ always leads them to the right answer – zero. The biggest number they can imagine, multiplied by zero, always results in zero.

Jesus explained to His disciples that life has a pathway that always ends in zero. He said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” (Matthew 16:26a)

No matter how many big numbers we accumulate during our lifetime – professional accolades, financial successes, personal recognitions, or exotic experiences – we may still end up with zero. We can compile an amazing string of accomplishments, awards, and acquisitions but still end up with nothing.

The solution is found a few verses prior. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) Jesus is always enough. With Him nothing else is needed. Without Him everything is not enough.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President