As we continue in Matthew 6, we find this scripture nestled in with counsel about what we value. What do our eyes have to do with what we value? Let’s see.

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Matthew 6:22-23

What on earth is Jesus talking about here? Well, to begin with, in the Jewish culture of that day and in some parts today, to have a ‘good’ eye mean you are a generous person. And to have a ‘bad’ eye, means you are stingy or selfish. 

In Greek thinking, accumulating things for myself protects my lifestyle. It ensures my status and my future. Giving away things is risky and fearful. “I may not have what I need.” It’s a me first kind of thinking. 

Hebrew thinking says, “I can freely give because God has always met my needs. There is no need to fear. 

Greek thinking only believes what it can experience with its senses. I can see it, feel it, smell it, taste it, and hear it. If I give something away, I don’t see, feel, smell, taste, or hear anything returning. “I need proof to believe my needs will be met.”

In our world, 250 people have more wealth than 2.5 billion. Something is wrong with this equation. 

It is only when we TRUST God to supply our needs that we are able to live a generous and faith-filled life. God didn’t create us to be focused on earth’s treasures. Generous people love the Light and emit His presence in all that they do. Others see this, whether they are believers or not. 

Light is emitted from the spirit of generosity, charitable giving, and love. Darkness surrounds stingy and selfish people. May we walk as children of light. (Ephesians 5:8)

We Cannot Serve God and Riches

“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

Have you ever been driving your car and look to the right or left to see something on the side of the road? Then, you look up to see that you are driving into a ditch or into oncoming traffic?

While multitasking is given high marks in some circles, it’s been proven that multitasking does not produce excellence. Serving the world and its standards are quite different from serving God and His kingdom. The world is a slave to making fame and fortune. God’s kingdom is all about helping others so that they have enough of what they need. 

Are we slaves or servants to God or money?

• · Must we earn or receive X amount of money to meet our expenses and be free of the pressures of this life?

• · Do we need X amount of money to live in comfort?

• · Do we EXPECT God to meet our needs IF we do His will?

• · Do we question His will when it doesn’t make sense to us? When it appears that our security or comfort will be damaged? Do we need a sign before we act on what He asks us to do?

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17

Isaac was Abraham’s treasure. But God wanted Abraham’s treasure to be God alone. The fulfillment of Abraham’s destiny didn’t depend on Isaac but on God. Abraham trusted God to provide a lamb or to resurrect Isaac when he raised the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. (Genesis 22:8) 

God answered Abraham’s obedience. “By Myself, I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Genesis 22:16-18

In John 14:23-24, Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My, and; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.”

And in another place, He said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34

Jesus had one Master and He spent His life speaking His words and doing His will. We are called to do the same. 

• If we are to be like Jesus, here are some things Jesus said.

• The Son can do nothing of Himself. (John 5:19)

• I can of Mine own self do nothing … because I seek not Mine own will. (John 5:30)

• I receive no honor from men. (John 5:41)

• I came down from Heaven, not to do Mine own will. (John 6:38)

• My doctrine is not Mine. (John 7:16)

• I am not come of Myself. (John 7:28)

• I do nothing of Myself. (John 8:28)

• Neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. (John 8:42)

• I seek not Mine own glory. (John 8:50)

• The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself. (John 14:10)

• The word which ye hear is not Mine. (John 14:24)

May we be found in Him, serving Him with all our hearts, souls, and strength.

Shalom ♥