You Cannot Serve Both God and Mammon – Devotion

When you see a dog following two men:

“You cannot serve both God and wealth.” Matthew 6:24

It is impossible for the mind to be governed at the same time by two opposite principles. The love of the world and the love of God are diametrically opposed to each other.

“If any man loves the world the love of the Father is not in him.” [1 John 2:15] “Don’t you know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God.” [James 4:4] “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:24]

To borrow a quaint illustration from one of our old writers, “When you see a dog following two men, so long as they walk together, you do not know to which of them the dog belongs. But let them come to a parting road and there separate from each other, then it will soon be seen who is the owner, for the dog will follow his master wherever he goes.”

Just so, an individual may pursue the world, and retain a Christian profession at the same time–and it is often difficult to ascertain whether God or the world possesses his affections. But by and bye he comes to a parting road, when God calls him one way, and the world another way–and then he will show to whom he really belongs. If God is his master–then he will follow and obey God. But if the world is his master–then he will follow after it!

O my soul, how are you affected by the respective claims of the things of time–and those of eternity? After a few more rising and setting suns, it will be a matter of total indifference to you whether you have been rich or poor, successful in your business or unsuccessful. But it will be of unspeakable consequence whether you have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before you in the gospel.

Listen, then, to the words of the Lord Jesus, “Do not labor for food that spoils but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” [John 6:27]

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also!” [Matthew 6:19-21]

photo credit: skambalu

This is a devotion from Grace Gems! They have graciously allowed me to reproduce their devotions here. Please go to their website for more biblical thoughts!

Tagged as: Bible, Biblical Finance, Devotion, Wealth

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

John Armstrong

Nowadays we have way too many distractions that take us away from the only truth which is God.

I often see myself working, studying, blogging, spending time with the family and after all of that there is very little time to spend with God or his things.

Thank you for these posts, you always inspire me and I always come out with an idea that has the potential to help me.

Thanks

Khaleef Crumbley: I think that all of us who have serious businesses or hobbies on the side have to continually watch out for this. It is very easy to lose focus on God.

Everyday Tips

I absolutely love the dog following two men image. It totally explains the whole point of the post.

However, I will say that when I think of my love for the ‘world’, I think about nature and all the God created, not so much possessions. Just a different view I guess!

Khaleef Crumbley: I love that image as well. As far as love of the world, the bible is very specific when it talks of the world. “World” is a term that always refers to the system that Satan operates, which is completely opposed to God and His purposes.
So to love the world, in that sense, is to love the evil things that God hates. So, the type of love that you describe is fine (as long as it points you to God)!
Thanks for the comment, and all of your support!

Jason @ Redeeming Riches