Who Is Your Master? (Matthew 6:24)
Matthew 6:24, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. This verse deals with servitude. Jesus shows here the absolute impossibility of loving the world and loving God at the same time. Anyone who gives their heart to the world robs God of it. This verse deals a death blow to the idea that a Christian can be worldly and spiritual at the same time, that he or she can be popular with the ungodly and with God at the same time, that one can have their affections on earthly things and still have their affections on heavenly matters. It is impossible to serve Christ and the world at the same time. The ark of God and Dagon cannot stand in the same house (I Samuel 5:1-7). Jesus must be Lord in our hearts, ruling over us, so that His will and His glory receives the devotion and commitment of our hearts. Unless Jesus has the preeminence, everything in our life is in chaos and confusion. Jesus is to be the Lord and Master of our lives each day. As long as we put ourselves first, we cannot put the LORD, the Master of All, in the position He rightfully holds. Demas could not mix the love of the world with loyalty to Paul and his ministry (II Timothy 4:10). Augustine said, "Jesus Christ is not valued at all until He is valued above all." Vance Havner said, "A wife that is 85% faithful to her husband, is not faithful at all. There is no such thing as part-time loyalty to Jesus Christ." It was in 1873, in Dublin, at an all-night prayer meeting at the home of Henry Bewley, that D. L. Moody heard British evangelist Henry Varley utter those life changing words: "The world has yet to see what God can do with, for, through, and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him." "As I crossed the wide Atlantic," Moody said, "the boards of the deck... were engraved with them, and when I reached Chicago, the very paving stones seemed marked with them." The result: Moody decided he was involved in too many ministries to be effective and therefore began to concentrate on evangelism. Vance Havner once said, “There is no such thing as part-time loyalty to Jesus Christ. This verse can help one concerning getting the priorities of life straight. Either He is Lord, or someone or something else is. That may range from self all the way to Satan himself. Jesus, in effect, was saying that if one tries to serve two masters (two lords), he either will loathe one and love the other, or ignore one and be partial to the other. The word mammon has the idea of ‘wealth’ or ‘the getting of wealth.’ Jesus said, we cannot serve God and at the same time seek wealth. They are mutually exclusive. I Timothy 6:5-11, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. William Carey, who is called the “Father of Modern Missions,” served the Lord in India for many years. He gradually became very concerned about the attitude of his son, Felix. The young man had promised to become a missionary, but he reneged on his vows when he was appointed ambassador to Burma by the Queen of England. Carey wrote to his friend, asking prayer for his son with these words: Pray for Felix. He has degenerated into an ambassador of the British government when he should be serving the King of Kings. Points to Ponder: We are in a constant battle with our will and God's will. Seek heavenly treasures, not earthly treasures. It is impossible to have two masters, so make sure your master is Jesus Christ. Questions to Consider: Who are you serving? Is Jesus the master of your life? Are you totally dedicated to Him? PRAYER: Father in Heaven, create within me a strong desire to serve You. May You prevent anything that would hinder my fellowship with You. Help me to keep You first, to seek You first and to trust You when I feel like quitting. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
November 2024
Categories |