Two Masters

 "You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:24NIV

This verse does not say that a person cannot have money and also serve God.  It says you cannot "serve" money and serve God.  To serve money means to make it the most important thing in your life. It means that monetary gain takes precedent over relationships, both with others and with God. Because God is love, relationships are what is important to a Christian.  Our relationship with God, our relationships with other people are the most important considerations in our life. Love of money leads us to be more selfish and ultimately that leads us to loneliness.  Money may buy many amusements and adventures but these diversions are like sugar that gives a quick hit of pleasure and then leave one with a sugar low. Giving money preeminence always leads down in life. It is a basic human need to be loved and love, and money will never buy us love.  Money can be used for good purposes, to encourage and sustain others, and in that way it is an expression of love, but money as an end in itself is a dead end.

Let me remember that the money that God gives me is not only to bless me but to bless others.  Show me how to use my money as an expression of your love.  Remind me that money is not security; only a right relationship with God brings security.