No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. — Mt. 6:24 NLT
Men, servitude is not a question. But, to what we bow down to we can choose. No one likes to think of oneself as a slave, but it takes little thought to discover this realization. What can you never get enough of? What discontent stirs in your heart begging for more. Power? Wealth?
For a few, it’s His presence. Jesus says we can’t serve two masters. We will hate or be loyal to only one or the other. Jesus goes on to say we will either serve God or money. Some translations use the word “mammon”, which is the Aramaic term for “wealth and possessions”.
We can see clearly who is a slave to wealth. Politicians literally sell our national resources for personal wealth and cast suspicion on others to disguise their nefarious deeds. Entertainers will march in front of a camera and say whatever they’re told to say for a negotiated fee. The gods of this world, or underworld, have their minions arrayed in fine clothes and cars and so deceive many to believe freedom is found at “the top”. Their relationships are superficial and dependent upon value gained.
Jesus offers a wealth that we may not see for years. Jesus offers us a freedom that seems strange to others. Jesus offers a peace even to the destitute, and comfort to the most heartbreaking circumstances. I am a slave to Christ and elated to confess it before men. As a mere slave to Christ there are inexpressible gifts that are not offered anywhere else, and more precious than anything else.
Move forward, men, beyond the pursuits of wealth and power the world showcases in its temptations. The world tells us to climb higher. Jesus invites us deeper; and real, lasting, eternal treasures are hidden in the deep. Jesus as Master gave all of Himself. Money as a master takes away joy and replaces with greed for more.
Vance Durrance
