Choosing God Over Money
“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. You cannot serve both God and money.” – Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
Introduction
In Matthew 6:24, Jesus speaks to a universal truth that transcends time and culture. He does not condemn money itself; instead, He addresses the dangerous temptation to prioritize wealth above our devotion to God. This devotional will explore how money, when used in the right spirit, can be a powerful tool for advancing God’s kingdom and sharing the gospel with the world.
Life Lessons
Life Lesson 1: Money as a Resource
Money, in its essence, is a neutral resource. It can be used for both good and ill, depending on our intentions and actions. When we view money as a tool, it can become a means to support missions, spread the gospel, and meet the needs of the less fortunate. Money becomes a blessing when it is used in alignment with God’s purposes.
Life Lesson 2: Stewardship and Responsibility
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us, including our finances. We are responsible for using our financial blessings wisely, ensuring that they contribute to God’s work in the world. By managing money with integrity, we can make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.
Life Lesson 3: Supporting God’s Mission
Money plays a pivotal role in supporting missions, reaching people through media, and spreading the gospel. Whether it’s sending missionaries to remote regions, funding outreach programs, or using modern platforms like TV, radio, and the internet, finances are instrumental in connecting with individuals and sharing the message of Jesus.
Life Lesson 4: A Balanced Perspective
While money is a valuable resource for God’s work, we must maintain a balanced perspective. It is when the pursuit of wealth becomes an obsession, leading to greed and neglect of our spiritual relationship with God, that Jesus’ warning in Matthew 6:24 is most relevant. It is not money itself but the love of money that can hinder our devotion to God.
Life Lesson 5: Prioritizing God
The core message of this verse is that our ultimate loyalty should be to God. We are to seek His kingdom and righteousness above all else. Money can support this pursuit, but it should never take precedence over our relationship with the Creator. When God is our primary focus, our use of money aligns with His purposes, and we experience true abundance and fulfillment.
Conclusion
Matthew 6:24 reminds us that money, as a resource, can be a force for good when used in the service of God’s kingdom. It is not inherently evil, but the love of money above God that poses a spiritual danger. By maintaining our devotion to God as our highest priority and using our financial blessings for His purposes, we can effectively advance the gospel and share the love of Christ with the world.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the resources you provide, including money. Help us to use these blessings in alignment with your will, supporting your mission and sharing the gospel. May our devotion to you always take precedence, and may our finances serve as tools for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
