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Who Do You Love?

“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

Have you ever tried to date two people at the same time, or known of someone who did? I knew a few guys in college who tried. It sounded great to them at first but always ended the same. Eventually, at least one of the relationships ended, and it didn’t usually take that long. As they started liking one girl over the other, they would start to neglect or even despise the other.

God warns us that the same is true when it comes to Him. We cannot serve two masters…we cannot have two gods.

That’s the nasty secret. We like to think in terms of priorities because it sounds reasonable and mature. However, when we put something ahead of God, the Bible calls it an idol. If we make money or position the most important thing, we make money or position an idol.

Sometimes we think we can hold them both on equal ground, but the truth is that that is like trying to date two people. It doesn’t work. You will end up loving one and hating the other.

I see this all the time when it comes to church attendance. The person says attending church is important, but so is (insert other interest here…relaxation, kid’s sports, sleep, etc.). At first, they only occasionally miss. Then they start skipping more and more as more other “important” things keep coming up. Eventually, attending church can seem more like an irritation, something that gets in the way.

Similarly, we just don’t have time to read the Bible, but we can spend 20 minutes on Facebook. We don’t have time to visit a sick friend, but we can catch a movie.

I’m not trying to be legalistic, here. This passage’s message isn’t about making sure we check off God’s check-list each week. God wants to be in a relationship with us. Frankly, He wants to be our number 1 relationship. He loves us, He created us to be in a relationship with Him, and He knows it’s what is best for us. He doesn’t want us to trade a real, loving relationship with our creator for a cheap knock-off.

I think that’s pretty amazing, that God wants to spend time with me. He wants to spend time with you, too. How great!

Dear Jesus,

You love me with a true love, one so great that You were willing to die for me. Help me to put You first. Forgive me for the times I pursue other things.

Amen

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt