How does self-denial relate to the value of our souls?

In Matthew 16:26, Jesus asks, 'For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?' This rhetorical question serves to highlight the incomparable value of our souls and the futility of pursuing worldly gain at the expense of our spiritual health. Self-denial plays a pivotal role in this context, as it involves the conscious decision to let go of earthly desires and ambitions to prioritize our eternity. By practicing self-denial, believers acknowledge that true profit lies not in worldly success, but rather in the preservation of our souls for Christ. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment when he states that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18), reinforcing the need for prioritizing our spiritual condition over temporal benefits.