Many years ago, Elijah, the prophet of God challenged the people of Israel to make a decision and a choice between Baal and the Lord. He was frustrated by the double standards of the people and how they were torn between two opinions.
[1 Kings 18:21 KJV] “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word”
In those days, the people were torn between serving God and serving Baal; but today’s generation is torn between serving God and serving mammon. Many of us are trying to serve both the Lord and mammon, but that is not possible.
Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13 teaches clearly that no man can serve two masters; God and mammon. We learn, therefore, that God is a master and mammon is also a master. Each of them demands loyalty; but the excellency of serving God is in the fact that when you seek God and His righteousness, all other things shall be added unto you (See Matthew 6:33).
Now, I want to counsel you, don’t take it for granted. If you will not serve God well then you better serve money. Make sure that you find money. Because if you miss God and miss money; you will be miserable in this life. In this life of racism, nepotism, tribalism, and greed; it is one of two things: you either have God or you have money or both. Lacking both is suicidal.
Ecclesiastes 7:12 teaches that money is a defence and wisdom (which is actually the fears of the Lord) is also a defence. Here also the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to him that has it. That is to say, money can defend you just like wisdom or the fear of the Lord can, but the fear of the Lord gives life to those who that it.
Ecclesiastes 10:17 teaches also that money answers all things under heaven. Money has answers, but God is the answer! Those who have money have at least some answers, but those who have God have the answer.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 10:15 and Proverbs 18:11 that the rich man’s wealth is his strong city, but the destruction of the poor is their poverty. You must understand that at least the rich have a strong city, but the Lord is the hiding place of all those who serve and regard Him.
Beloved, I will exhort you to serve God; run after God; serve him! Go all out for God for the following reasons;
- Money cannot be trusted (See Psalm, 62:10-12 and Proverbs 23:6).
- God is faithful and gives the power to make wealth to those who serve Him (See Deuteronomy 8:18, Job 22:23-24, and Matthew 6:33)
- Those who chase and serve money pierce themselves through with many foolish and hurtful lusts (See 1 Timothy 6:10)
I believe you shall make a choice to serve God and not money. I pray that you won’t allow money to influence and determine decisions you make in life.
I love you
Pastor Simpe Bediako
