Until Monday morning, 6th August, we are going to look at some extracts from my book.
“No one can serve two masters. 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 both God and Money,” [Mammon KJV] (Matthew 6:24).
Nobody should bow to Mammon. If you do, you have no part in Christ, for you will hate and despise Him (Matthew 6:24). We are to do nothing from rivalry (selfish ambition) or vain conceit, but instead consider others more significant than ourselves. We should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3, 4).
This is contrary to Mammon’s demands. It tells you always to buy bigger, better, and faster than anyone else. It tells you to gather as much as you can, play the stock market, and watch your earnings carefully. This motivates us toward selfish ambition. It is as if a man crawls on his knees and scrapes together as many gold coins as possible. Next to him, another man does the same. At their boundaries, a greedy, bloody battle ensues as they steal coins from each another.
This is lust for money. If we let it control us, we bow the knee to Mammon. We may cover or justify our actions with the excuse that God blessed us with it, that we deserve it or worked for it, or that business is business. But with that, we tell Mammon that we’ll do whatever he wants as long as he gives us more of himself. He will gladly do so. He delights in seeing Christians reject God’s principles.
God’s strategy is for us to become interdependent on one another through giving and serving. He wants us to stop competing with one another, trying to be the best and the greatest (as often occurs in the church). Instead, we should regard others as higher than ourselves.
When I was a student years ago, I wondered what a casino looked like. I was saved at the time but a bit reckless. So some friends and I visited a casino, and what amazed me was the glamour. Everything was overdone, luxurious, and shiny. It actually gave my born-again spirit an uncomfortable feeling like something crawling down my spine. If we look at success in Mammon’s terms, we look at luxury in offices, stores, and hotels. Mammon must show off; he must be seen; his light must shine.
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven,” (Matthew 5:16).
When people see your light, do they praise Father God, money, or you? Do you spend most of your money on home decor, clothing, or the newest car? Do these purchases make a difference in your life, or could you have used the money to bless God’s Kingdom?
Does your power come from money or God? Even if you are not rich, do you panic if you run out of funds, if the month becomes too long for your budget? Does a shortage of cash terrify you and tempt you to rely on lenders or the lottery? Do you envy your more wealthy neighbours and constantly wait to win the lottery, for your ship to come in? If so, you serve Mammon. If you quietly rely on the Lord to provide your every need while seeking His Kingdom and righteousness, you serve and love God.
To be continued.
Thank you Lord that your Word went out from your mouth, via your servant’s pen, and it will not return to you empty, but will accomplish what you desire and achieve the purpose for which you sent it.
Please pass this on if you think others may benefit by it.
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