Serving God VS Serving Mammon (Money)

 

Serving God VS Serving Mammon (Money)

Matt. 6:19–21 – Do not store treasure on earth; treasure in heaven draws the heart.

Matt. 6:22–23 – A single eye brings light; an evil/distracted eye brings darkness.

Matt. 6:24 – No one can serve two masters; cannot serve God and Mammon. 

Aspect	Serving God	Serving Mammon (Money)
Meaning	To love, follow, and devote oneself wholly to God as the unique Lord.	To let money, wealth, and material gain become the master and controller of one’s heart and living.
Reason	God is the Creator, Provider, and the only One worthy of absolute service.	Money competes for man’s heart, drawing it to earthly security and self-dependence.
Difference	Requires a single heart, a pure eye, and heavenly treasure.	Produces a divided heart, blurred sight, and attachment to earthly treasure.
Explanation	Storing treasure in heaven by giving to the poor, caring for needy saints, and supplying God’s servants (Matt. 19:21; Acts 2:45; 4:34–35; Rom. 15:26; Phil. 4:16–17).	Storing treasure on earth darkens the inner sight; serving money makes one unable to serve God (Matt. 6:21–24).
Mutual Relationship	The more one treasures heaven, the more the heart turns to God; a single eye brings full light.	The more one treasures earthly wealth, the more one’s heart is captured; an evil/distracted eye brings deep darkness.
Examples	Disciples giving to the needy; early church sharing possessions; believers supporting apostles.	The rich young ruler who could not give up possessions (Matt. 19).
Application	Give to the poor, care for lacking saints, serve God’s interests, and live free from anxiety regarding food, drink, and clothing (Matt. 6:25–34).	Beware of divided service; avoid accumulating wealth merely for self-security.
Burden	To lead God’s people into a single heart toward God, releasing resources for the kingdom.	To expose the danger of money becoming an idol that steals service due to God.
Prophetic Instruction	Set the heart on heavenly things; keep the eye single; trust God’s care; reject anxious living.	Reject Mammon as a master; refuse double service; flee the darkness of divided attention.
Related Scriptures	Matt. 6:19–21 – Do not store treasure on earth; treasure in heaven draws the heart. Matt. 6:22–23 – A single eye brings light; an evil/distracted eye brings darkness. Matt. 6:24 – No one can serve two masters; cannot serve God and Mammon. Matt. 6:25–34 – Do not worry about life, food, drink, clothing; your heavenly Father knows and cares. Matt. 19:21 – Give to the poor, treasure in heaven. Acts 2:45; 4:34–35; 11:29 – Saints sharing and supplying needs. Rom. 15:26 – Contribution for needy saints. Phil. 4:16–17 – Giving to God’s servants is accumulating fruit to one’s account.

 

Conclusion: 

l   One must choose: only one Master can be served. Serving God brings light, freedom, peace, and heavenly treasure.

l   Serving Mammon brings darkness, anxiety, divided heart, and loss of the kingdom reality.

  

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, Week 8: Seeking First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.