Breatheনমুনা

Have you ever been faced with a decision between two really good things? Maybe two really good desserts on the menu, two really good invitations to different events, or two really good jobs to pick from. If you have, then you know the likely response in that situation is, “Can’t I just have both?” It’s the human response at that moment! Because we all want good things in our lives, it makes choosing between two good things feel impossible.

This is exactly the dynamic Jesus is talking about here. He’s addressing the choice between serving and chasing God and serving and chasing money. Of course, pursuing wealth and financial stability in this life is a good goal. And, of course, so is pursuing God and the Christian life! That’s why it’s important to note that Jesus isn’t saying you can’t love God and have money at the same time. Rather, He’s saying you can’t make them both a priority. At some point, you will have to make a choice. Maybe you will face the choice of doing the right thing or gaining from it financially. Or helping someone in need versus hoarding your money or spending it frivolously. The way of Jesus calls us to put God first in all things—even over finances!

When we put God first—when we serve Him before any other master—we’re choosing the best path for our lives. The rest? Well, we can trust that the God we follow will provide all we need as we need it.