“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

American author Mark Twain famously wrote; “The lack of money is the root of all evil” in a jesting retort to the Scripture that says; “The love of money is the root of all evil.”

Apparently, many people could stand anything but the lack of money.

Unfortunately, the lack of money is a craving that can’t be satisfied, however much money one already has.

Otherwise, why would the billionaires we all admire be stressing themselves with hefty bank loans and irritable shareholders?

In our meditation today, our Lord asserts that money is another powerful ‘master’ that can potentially usurp God’s place and position in our lives.

Like Voltaire, the French writer and philosopher said, “When it’s a question of money, everybody is of the same religion.”

Indeed, money has become the new ‘religion’ in these last days as 2 Timothy 3:2-4 predicted – people will be “lovers of money” and pleasure, driven by greed and an insatiable desire to acquire wealth.

Yet, money was not intended to be a master; it’s like any other useful tool.

But, when it is made a master to be submitted to, it becomes destructive, leading to an array of negative outcomes for both individuals and society.

Of course, ‘capitalism,’ with its core principle of the profit motive, has been credited for being the driving force behind innovation, economic growth, and a better standard of living for many.

But on the other hand, it has also led to the endless throng of people heading to hell.

When the pursuit of money becomes the most important goal, ethical boundaries can blur.

Decisions are no longer based on what is right or wrong, but on what is most profitable.

Values are then thrown out of the window.

Choosing God as the only Master of our lives not only rids us of anxiety but also carries eternal rewards.

That’s why it is said that the capitalist system has been a major contributor to social suffering, as those who own capital exercise dominion over the rest, including the policy makers – leading to policies that favor the rich over the public good.

Sadly, even the saints and spiritual leaders have not been spared, as they are lured, like Esau who sold his birthright for a dish of soup, to compromise their values for financial gain.

Making money a master means placing it above everything else, including one’s spiritual or personal well-being.

Is it any wonder then there is a deepening sense of emptiness in the body of Christ today, as the craving for more money and possessions takes precedence over godliness, loyalty to loved ones, and empathy for others?

The inordinate affection for wealth as a measure of ‘success’ and ‘happiness’ has taken a heavy toll, as even top pastors compete over who owns the best jet, car or home.

Consequently, many Church leaders are often under immense pressure to squeeze as much money as possible from their congregations, at whatever cost.

Today, God challenges us to ponder the question of which of the two – money or God – is our true master.

Mark you, you can only have one, not both!

Let’s make all the money we possibly can but let’s choose never to worship it.

Choosing God over money as the only Master of our lives not only rids us of anxiety but also carries eternal rewards.

May we choose wisely!