April 19 - Matthew 6:24

April 19 - Matthew 6:24

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

The word for ‘money’ in this verse is mammon.  It doesn't mean the money you have in your wallet, but means wealth and even more basic … property. But, the focus of this entire passage is not on money, but on those things which distract you from true discipleship.  It is nearly impossible to have wealth without it becoming more important than everything else.  Jesus doesn't command us to be poor, but he does ask us to be careful that we are aware of where we pour out our time and efforts.

I would suspect that if he were speaking to us today, his warnings against great wealth would continue, but he would ask us where else in our lives we are uncompromising in our commitment.  Is it to our health? To our jobs? To our children? Our studies? Our lifestyle?

What is it that we will not sacrifice in order to be a better disciple?  Do we really believe that we can do it all and still be live out lives which are fully committed to God?  How can we spread ourselves that thinly and still be completely whole?

Jesus tells us over and over that we should have one single focus.  We can’t have divided loyalties.  He doesn’t call us to an easy life or easy choices.  He calls us to be truly devoted to God.