Why is the eternal value of a soul important for Christians?

The immense value of a soul is rooted in its eternal significance and redemption price, as highlighted in Matthew 16:26: 'For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?' This verse encapsulates the idea that the eternal state of a soul outweighs any temporal gains. For Christians, valuing souls means recognizing their capacity for endless joy with God versus unending misery apart from Him. This perspective drives the church's mission to evangelize and disciple, emphasizing that every soul is worth more than the greatest empires on earth due to its everlasting implications.