mammon


No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. [Matthew 6:24 NKJV]

Many translations render mamónas (the Greek word for mammon) as money or wealth. The amplified version expands it to include possessions, fame and status. Medieval writers used it as the name of the devil of covetousness. It communicates anything that is valued more than the Lord.

Jesus teaches us in this verse that mammon is a master to be served. I can relate to this. Habits can master us. Work can too. Even good things like family or church can wield an unhealthy influence over us. Such is the nature of mammon. It perverts something good into something bad.

In contrast, one who is content is not as prone to the lure of mammon. This seems simple, yet is very difficult. Who can advise the one who is sick or in poverty to be content? These often seek after the mammon of earthly solutions and do not find what they really need.

Letting go of our dreams of success and of a better future can be so difficult. The lure of mammon is great. Yet the power of contentment can be greater than that of mammon. As we release our desires to the Lord he transforms us into the image of one who serves like Jesus.

Lord. I let go. Make me like Jesus. Conform me into his image.


... this devotion is part of the z2a bible words series.

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