Exclusive Service: A Question of Devotion

In Matthew 6:24 Jesus zeroes in on the most fundamental decision. His exhortation concerning treasures closes with a warning about loyalty. You can’t serve God and Mammon (which does not simply refer to money but possessions in any form). Jesus has made it clear in that we must choose between 2 treasures, 2 eyes, 2 masters, and 2 anxieties.

Jesus spoke in 6:19-21 of 2 treasures and the greater durability of treasures in heaven – and the resulting security which leads to the development of godly character.

He spoke in 6:22-23 of 2 eyes, 2 ways of seeing things and the greater benefit of a life fixed on Jesus – and the resulting perspective and action. If you look at the things of this world with a healthy spiritual perspective, your life will be useful. If you look at things with greed in mind your life will be wasted.

Now He highlights the even more basic choice between 2 masters. He says that divided loyalty (choosing material things over spiritual ones for example) will not be accepted and cannot fulfill the person who tries to hold onto both. Material things are not neutral if they are treasured, they will become a master to be served.

Are you fully devoted to God? or have you been enslaved to another master? Has God been dethroned in your life? or is He reigning supreme?

There is untold blessing in serving God Almighty. Sometimes the blessing of choosing wisely means trials and tribulation. The early Christian church chose God over Mammon and suffered as a result of their faithfulness. Paul and Barnabas "strengthened the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, we must enter the Kingdom of God through much tribulation" Acts 14:22. Our Father knows best. He knows what He is doing; knows what He has purposed. It is His desire to build into you the marvelous substance of spiritual depth and understanding. It is His good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

May you see clearly spiritually to choose the Greater Master – and engage in the inevitable service He will inspire - and have grace from God to keep walking that path - however difficult it becomes. Being fully devoted means being wholly His. It means trusting completely. Our soveriegn God knows the beginning and the end of the story and everything in between. He is working all things together for His glory and your good. .