61. Sermon on the Mount Secrets Part 3 - Symptoms of Serving God’s Greatest Enemy

We are discussing Matthew 6:24:  “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] 

Last time we had a look at the Lord's desires for us versus Mammon's plans for us.

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 or 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.

Have you ever watched the stock market in action?  Everybody shouts at once, almost trampling one another to get more of their god.  It’s a worship service for Mammon, and the worshippers get excited.  Moreover, what would you say about Christmas?  Who is the real saviour worshipped during Christmas?  The stores are madness during that time.  How sad that we bow the knee before Mammon.

These are signs that we serve Mammon rather than God:

·         Compromising values for the sake of money; changing my beliefs when I      see what they might cost me.

·         Having the attitude that “business is business,” and in the process                separating righteousness from making money.

·         Allowing money to overtake the purpose of an activity, as in the case of a      police officer giving traffic tickets in order to raise money and not for the        purpose of law and order.

These are signs that we love money more than we love God:

·         Money influences moral decisions.

·         Making money enjoys priority above obedience.

·         We compromise values because of money.

·         Competition diminishes godly love.

·         Making money, worrying about money, and thinking about how to protect it    or get more of it takes the time and energy that belong to the Lord.

·         Obtaining material goods takes priority over godly service.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:6-11)

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

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