Listen to Devotion

[Jesus said] “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.”

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy story The Lord of the Rings, the pitiful creature named Gollum finds himself under the thrall of a magical ring. He is so driven by his desire for the ring that he is willing to risk everything, to sacrifice even loved ones, to be in possession of what he comes to call his “precious.” In the novel, the author masterfully describes Gollum’s internal conflict between wanting to show gratitude to the person who treated him with grace and wanting the ring that person possessed. He desired both, but he could choose only one. Ultimately, the ring’s mastery over Gollum’s heart leads him to a tragic end.

Jesus warned his followers against allowing the things of this world to have mastery over them. Wealth and property are not evil in themselves. The problem is when these things adversely affect our relationship with God, when they distract us to the point of forgetting that we are servants who already have a master—the Lord God who created us, who blesses us with all good things, and who has redeemed us from sin and death through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus.

Do you struggle with such thoughts? When you are depressed, anxious, lonely, or just plain bored, do you find yourself looking for consolation in things you can purchase, own, or consume? Are your decisions in life motivated more by the “bottom line” or the desire to get ahead than by your relationship to God and trust in his providence? Be careful, Jesus says. You cannot serve two masters. Put aside the false glory of fleeting fortune and the pointless chasing after temporary gains. Turn to Jesus, who laid aside his heavenly glory and gladly gave his life for you, because you are precious in his sight. Then learn from him, your loving Lord, to use the things of this world in the service of his kingdom rather than the other way around.

Lord Jesus, you have redeemed me that I might live under you in your kingdom and serve you in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Help me to that end. Amen.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.