Money: Master or Servant?
"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other,or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24 NKJV)
Love of money is one of the most effective ways to separate us from God. Jesus referred to this idol as "mammon," and it has rivaled the true and living God for the love and loyalty of countless hearts. Jesus described mammon as a cruel taskmaster, and its enslaving power is dramatically displayed in an encounter that took place during Christ's ministry:
Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" (Matt. 19:6 NKJV)
Who was this man who spoke to Jesus? He was young and moral (Matt. 19:20). Luck 18:18 tells us that he was a ruler, presumably of a local synagogue, which would mean that he was also religious and powerful. This man was courageous because he publicly came to Jesus, going against the wishes of the religious establishment at that time. Despite all of these things, he still feels empty and seeks Christ's help. As He always does, Jesus looked past the outward exterior and zeroed in on the real issue -- mammon:
Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Matt. 19:21-22 NKJV)
Because mammon kept this man from following the Lord, we know that this idol had enslaved his heart. We run the same risk whenever we allow money (whether we have it or not) eclipse our focus and affection for the Lord. Moreover, we need to make certain that the money God blesses us with is surrendered and submitted to His purposes. Somebody once commented, "Money is a terrific servant, but a terrible master." Which will we choose?
- Do you need to be rich in order to idolize money? Why or why not?
- How can you protect yourself from worshiping mammon?
from The Active Word, May 2005
Scripture Memorization Verse:
posted by Chris @ 11:32 AM
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