Tag: slave

Stewardship 6 – mastery

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The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on our relationship to God and recognize his faithful provision to us.

Scripture

Matthew 6:24-25

24  No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.  25  Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Observations and reflections

Note: Matthew 6:19-34 contain Jesus’ revolutionary teachings on possessions, money and security.  We focus on one or two such teachings each day and consider our own attitudes and behaviors in the light of his words.

  1. In your own words summarize verse 24.
  2. How do you understand the link between verses 24 and 25?
  3. What does Jesus mean with “[to] serve… money” as master? Give examples.
  4. What is the opposite to “do not be anxious” in this context? [hint: consider the verses following…]

Application

Consider two scenarios common today where people become slaves to money:

  • Being over-worked for higher salaries to enable “better living standards”.
  • Being in debt to enable “better living standards”
  1. What is another / more fitting term for “a desire for better living standards”?
  2. To which degree are you enslaves yourself to money by these two?
  3. What is the problem with being enslaved to money by these two things? [hint: your energy and time is primarily engaged in temporal pursuit at the bidding of those who pay you… so you are not free to…?]
  4. What is the solution to escape this enslavement? [hint: if we are enslaved to money by “the desire for more” (covetousness/greed) or “fear of poverty/ lack” (anxiety) – what are the opposite heart conditions…?]
  5. How will you respond to today’s choice? What will you do about Jesus’ words today?

Prayer

Ask the Lord to speak to you about your relationship with money – how does He feel about it. Tell the Lord how you feel about trusting Him, and confess the areas where you are anxious for lack and greedy for more.  Ask Him to reveal that to you and deliver you from slavery to money. End by thanking Him for what He freely and faithfully give to you.fa