To Serve Two Masters is Disaster! By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
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Introduction
In a world where wealth and material success are often seen as the ultimate goals, many believers find themselves caught between two competing desires: the pursuit of riches and the call to follow Christ. However, the Bible makes it clear that these two paths are incompatible. Serving both God and money leads to spiritual ruin. This message warns us of the dangers of loving money and material things more than our Creator, urging us to put God first and trust in His provision. The pursuit of wealth should never supersede our devotion to God, for to do so is to fall into the trap of serving two masters—an inevitable disaster.
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The Trap of Serving Money
Many who profess to be God's people are entangled in the love of money, thinking that financial security will bring them peace and fulfillment. However, this pursuit often leads to distress, as they find themselves torn between their desire for wealth and their commitment to Christ. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns, “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” When money becomes our master, we become slaves to it, constantly striving for more while neglecting the true riches found in God’s kingdom.
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Obeying God's Call Above Earthly Security
Jesus calls His followers to a life of obedience to the will of the Father, not to the pursuit of earthly gain. The first disciples left everything to follow Him, trusting that God would provide for their needs. Luke 14:33 says, “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” This radical call to forsake all for the sake of the kingdom of God is a pattern for all believers. We are called to trust God for our provision, not to rely on the false security of wealth and possessions.
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The Illusion of Security in Wealth
The world teaches us that wealth brings security, but the Bible shows that true security is found in God alone. Those who place their trust in money are deceived, for the riches of this world are temporary and unreliable. Matthew 6:19-20 tells us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” True security is not in material wealth but in the eternal riches of God’s kingdom.
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The Danger of Greed and Idolatry
Greed is a powerful temptation that pulls us away from God’s will. When we prioritize the accumulation of wealth over the things of God, we are placing our trust in idols. Colossians 3:5 warns, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Greed is not just a desire for wealth; it is idolatry, a turning away from God to serve the things of this world. To love money is to abandon the call of discipleship and to follow after the empty promises of the world.
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The Cost of Loving Money Over God
Those who choose wealth over God are not truly following Christ. Jesus said that it is impossible to serve both God and money, for one will eventually take precedence over the other. Matthew 6:24 makes it clear, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” The decision to prioritize money over God leads to spiritual separation and disaster. True disciples of Christ must be willing to forsake all for Him, including the love of wealth.
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Living for the Kingdom, Not for the World
As believers, we are called to live for God’s kingdom, not for the fleeting pleasures and riches of this world. Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is of far greater value than anything this world has to offer. Matthew 13:44 says, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” The kingdom of God is worth far more than any wealth or possessions we could ever accumulate, and it is only by prioritizing God’s kingdom that we can truly find life.
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Summary
Serving both God and money is impossible. The love of money leads to spiritual destruction, while serving God leads to true fulfillment and eternal life. Believers are called to forsake the pursuit of wealth and to place their trust in God’s provision. When we prioritize God’s will over the things of this world, we experience true peace and security, knowing that He will provide all our needs. Let us not be deceived by the empty promises of wealth but instead seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
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Conclusion
The world offers many distractions and temptations, but as believers, we are called to a higher standard. We cannot serve two masters, for it is disaster to try. We must choose to serve God above all else, trusting in His provision and following His will. Let us examine our hearts and ensure that we are not being led astray by the love of money, but that we are fully devoted to God, ready to forsake all for His kingdom.
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Call to Action
Today, I challenge you to examine your own life. Are you serving God wholeheartedly, or are you allowing the love of money to creep in and take control? Choose today to commit fully to God, to trust in His provision, and to seek first His kingdom. Let go of the things that bind you to this world and follow Jesus with all your heart.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Remember, the treasures of this world are temporary, but the treasures of heaven are eternal. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and He will provide all you need. Trust Him, follow Him, and you will find true peace and security in His presence.
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Prayer of Salvation
If you have not yet made Jesus the Lord of your life, I invite you to pray this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again, offering me eternal life. I choose today to follow You and to serve You above all else. Please help me to trust in Your provision and to live for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."
