Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Mt. 6:24). This verse teaches the impossibility of serving two masters!

Complete Loyalty To One Rules Out Complete Loyalty To Another

In ancient days, a slave was meant to belong wholly to one master. It must be pointed out that slavery is not the same as employment, although some principles may overlap. We may simultaneously sever two employers, but not two "masters" (which is from the same Greek word usually translated "Lord"). Failure inevitably results when we attempt to give ourselves wholly to two masters. There can be no "middle ground." In each case, one attitude toward one master rules out that same attitude toward the other master. If there is "love" for one master there can only be "hate" for the other. If we are "loyal" (NKJ) to one master, we will only "despise" the other.

God And "Mammon" Are Polar Opposites

The word "mammon" is used as a personification of wealth and/or material prosperity (cf. Lk. 16:9, 11, 13). The Scriptures document well the spiritually fatal problems that materialism causes (cf. 1 Tim. 6:6 - 10; 2 Tim. 4:10). Even if wealth is gained legitimately, it is evil when it rivals our loyalty to God. It has been said, "Money is a good servant, but a ruthless master." Worldliness is totally incompatible with God (1 Jn. 2:15 - 17). We can devote ourselves wholly to God or wholly to "mammon," but it is impossible to devote ourselves wholly to both (cf. Mt. 10 37 - 39; 22:37).

We Must Choose A Master

If we have not obeyed Christ, He is not our Lord (Lk. 6:46). Only by obeying the doctrine of Christ can we become the "servants of righteousness" (Rom. 6:16 - 18). Why not choose Christ and obey His word today?