Serving Only One Master

Image courtesy Derek Bruff (CC BY-NC 2.0 license) on Flickr.

Matthew 6:24 …ye cannot serve God and mammon.

There were, in the days of Christ, some that yearned after the Lord, but desired or loved money and the things of this world secretly (as in the case of Judas Iscariot) or openly (as in the rich young ruler who walked away from Christ because of his riches.) This involved covetousness and greed. Satan wanted the worship of man more than ever before and therefore was willing to give the things of this world and its riches to anyone who would follow him. The Lord Jesus made it clear: ye cannot serve God and mammon. Mammon was an idol God of riches in the days of Christ, and the Lord used this as an illustration of worship: the God of Heaven or the God of this world:

Notice firstly, this statement of Christ means there must be a decision made.
The Lord Jesus says it is impossible to serve both the Lord Jesus and to acquire the riches of this world. There must be a giving up of one. The world has its idols, Gods and pleasures. It feeds the flesh, numbs the spiritual senses towards the Lord and deceives the heart that the Christian is alright. The Bible teaches us that the love of money is the root of all evil and that many have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. The kingdom of God, however, is filled with the need for sacrifice, obedience, self-denial and service. It demands commitment but it gives blessings. There must be a decision to serve Christ or the world.

Notice secondly, the wrong choice will lead us astray and away from God.
It led Achan to disobey God and to take of the Babylonish garment, it caused Balaam to compromise for the sake of money to curse the people of God. It led Judas Iscariot to commit the wicked deed of betraying Christ for thirty pieces of silver and condemned him to an eternity in hell. It caused Demas to forsake Paul. When we entertain the world and her ways, it will always lead us away from God.

Notice thirdly, that when we put serving God first, God sees to the provision of our needs of life.
When we choose Christ, He never abandons us to our needs: He provides for them. God has commanded us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Are you concerned that there will be not enough for the family? We need to learn to trust the Lord, put Him first and He will provide for us who are His people.

Are you serving God or mammon? The choice is clear! Let us choose and serve only Christ!

Evangelist-Pastor Johnny Tan
Ambassador Baptist Church