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. (Matt. 6:24)
“sweep the floor before you clean the grill!” Eddie barked at Jason, who already felt overwhelmed after only one week at his new job. Jason was thankful to be working for the summer at a burger joint a short drive from his house. But he had difficulty dealing with Eddie, a classmate who freely criticized everything he did, whether it was mopping the floor, waiting on customers, or keeping the cooks supplied with hamburger patties. At the end of Jason’s shift, the owner, Mr. Riley, showed up and asked Jason, “Why aren’t you doing things in the order I listed them for you?”
“Well, Eddie said—” Jason began, but Mr. Riley cut him off.
“I don’t care what Eddie said. You’re not working for him. You’re working for me.”
It’s impossible to wholeheartedly serve two masters at once. Solomon could not serve both the true God and the false gods of the other nations. Neither can anyone be devoted both to God and money. The tension will eventually cause us to choose one or the other, and Jesus warns us that it’s impossible to split your heart between the two. Is there anything in your life—money, false teaching, temptations offered others—that attempts to direct you away from God? Ignore the distractions, and focus all your attention on Him.
Begin this day by reminding yourself that you work for God.
Paul Zinter serves as a substitute teacher. He enjoys writing, bread making, and teaching at his local church.
