MATTHEW 6:24
GOD AND MONEY
INTRODUCTION
Matthew 6:24 is one of Jesus’ most profound teachings from the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting the fundamental conflict between serving God and serving wealth. In this verse, Jesus vividly illustrates the impossibility of divided loyalties, stating, “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.” The term “money” here is translated from the Greek word “mammon,” which broadly refers to material wealth and possessions.
Within the broader context of Jesus’ message about prioritizing heavenly treasures over earthly possessions, this verse uses the metaphor of slavery or servitude to underscore that our ultimate allegiance can be given to only one master. Jesus presents an either/or proposition, insisting that trying to serve both God and wealth simultaneously is impossible, as it will inevitably lead to a conflict of love and devotion. This teaching challenges listeners to examine their priorities, raising critical questions about materialism, greed, and what we truly value most. While it is not a condemnation of all wealth, it serves as a warning against allowing the pursuit of money and possessions to take precedence over our devotion to God.
Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for he will either hate one and love the other, or he will be loyal to one and neglect the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
The term “mammon” refers to wealth or material possessions. Jesus emphasizes the impossibility of serving both God and wealth simultaneously because they demand conflicting loyalties. This teaching is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus instructs His followers on the values of the Kingdom of God, contrasting them with worldly values.
Jesus used examples from the life experiences of ordinary people to teach theological and spiritual values. In ancient times, when slavery was rampant, a slave worked for his master unless sold to another. He could not be under two owners simultaneously. In modern times, an employee cannot serve two employers or firms during the same period because both would suspect him. He can be in trouble in case of a conflict between employers accusing him of spying or acting as an agent of the other.
For He Will Either Hate One and Love the Other, or He Will Be Loyal to One and Neglect the Other
It is natural that if an employee serves two employers, he might find favor with one rather than the other, and his loyalty can be conflicting. In our spiritual life, our worldly goals can contradict our heavenly aims. Paul wrote from his pastoral experience, “Am I now currying favor with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ” (Gal 1:10).
You Cannot Serve Both God and Money
Mammon is an Aramaic word meaning wealth or property. Greed for it has an association with evil like injustice, exploitation, bribery, crime, pride, immorality, and dishonesty. God wants our undivided fidelity and love towards Him. The first commandment God gave to the Israelites through Moses was to avoid idolatry. “You shall not have other gods beside me” (Ex 20:3).
The conflict here is not between God and wealth, but the attitude of a person towards God and wealth. The resources of this world belong to God. Instead of making use of them for the glory of God and for the welfare of others, if one keeps all he could attain as treasure for himself, he will consider wealth as his god and rely on it instead of God. He will seek only the happiness, influence, popularity, and power of this world. Out of his greed for money, he might exploit others and resort to injustice. Thus, he will be in spiritual darkness.
Jesus, who taught, “Where your treasure is, there also your heart will be” (Mt 6:21), told the official who wanted to be perfect, “There is still one thing left for you: sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Lk 18:22). Reliance on wealth and finding enjoyment in it with no care for others was the failure of the rich man and his five brothers in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Though this rich man had treasure on earth, he lost everything at his death, and he had nothing for his afterlife, whereas Lazarus, who relied entirely on God, found his treasure in heaven.
When Jesus went to the house of Zacchaeus, the latter “stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost’” (Lk 19:8-10). When Zacchaeus was greedy for wealth, he did not care about the poor and did injustice to others. When he came to love Jesus, he became a different person, compensating for the injustice done, and voluntarily helping the poor. Thus, he found God as his treasure and became a lover of God by renouncing all greed for wealth.
A follower of Jesus must rely on divine providence while working for the kingdom of God. Jesus instructed the apostles and his seventy-two disciples to carry nothing with them except the essentials during their missionary journey (Mt 10:9-10; Lk 10:4). They lacked nothing when they followed Jesus’ instruction (Lk 22:35) because the people whom they served took care of their needs. However, Jesus asked them to take more items with them when they went to unwelcoming areas (Lk 22:36-37).
Paul wrote on the danger of greed for wealth, “Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evil, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains” (1 Tim 6:6-10).
Biblical References:
1. Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.” This commandment underscores the need for exclusive devotion to God.
2. 1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.” St. Paul warns about the dangers of prioritizing wealth over faith.
3. Luke 16:13 – “No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Luke’s Gospel reiterates this teaching, affirming its importance.
Catholic Teachings and Insights
1. Exclusive Devotion to God: The Catholic Church teaches that our ultimate allegiance must be to God alone. St. Augustine, in his writings, often emphasized that our hearts are restless until they rest in God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2113) warns against idolatry, which includes placing material wealth above God. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:24 calls for a choice between God and materialism, urging believers to prioritize their spiritual well-being over earthly riches.
2. Trust in Divine Providence: Following this verse, Jesus continues to teach about trusting in God’s providence (Mt 6:25-34). He uses the examples of birds and lilies to illustrate God’s care for His creation. The Catholic tradition encourages believers to trust that God will provide for their needs, as reflected in the teachings of saints like St. Francis of Assisi, who lived a life of poverty and trust in God’s provision.
3. Simplicity and Detachment: The virtue of simplicity is highly valued in Catholic spirituality. St. Ignatius of Loyola, in his Spiritual Exercises, advises detachment from material possessions to better serve God. This detachment does not mean neglecting responsibilities but rather not letting material concerns dominate one’s life. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:24 is a call to live simply and focus on spiritual growth and service to others.
Reflection
Reflecting on Matthew 6:24, we are reminded of the constant tension between the material and the spiritual in our lives. Jesus’ words challenge us to examine our priorities and to trust in God’s providence. In a world driven by consumerism and the pursuit of wealth, this passage calls us to a countercultural stance of simplicity, trust, and exclusive devotion to God.
Jesus’ teaching invites us to evaluate where our true treasure lies. Are we investing in the temporary and fleeting or the eternal and lasting? By seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, we align our lives with God’s will and experience the peace that comes from trusting in His care.
In our contemporary world, the allure of material wealth and possessions can be overwhelming. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:24 challenges us to reflect on our priorities. Are we placing our trust and security in wealth, or are we relying on God’s providence? Serving God wholeheartedly means trusting that He will provide for our needs and seeking His Kingdom first (Mt 6:33).
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who teaches us to trust in Your providence and to serve You with undivided hearts. Help us to detach from material possessions and to place our trust in You alone. Grant us the grace to live simply and to seek Your Kingdom above all else. May we always remember that You care for us more than the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. Strengthen our faith and guide us in our journey towards holiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.