What Jesus Did! 'Know What Is Important and Who to Serve' — Luke 16:12-13

Friday, September 22, 2023

[Jesus continued,] "And if you are not faithful with other people's things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?

"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money."

— Luke 16:12-13 NLT

Key Thought

Money can be our master, but we must not let it. If we aren't careful, we can covet money, sell our virtue for money, be manipulated for money, and even risk our lives for money. Few things have such pull on our human hearts. Paul warned that greed is a form of idolatry. [1] In other words, money and our desire for it can become our god and our religion. Jesus made it clear that there is room in our hearts for only one consuming love. That love will be the master of our lives. We cannot serve God if money becomes our master. We cannot worship and serve both God and money. So which do you choose?

[1] Colossians 3:5.

Today's Prayer

Father, give me a clearer sense of your purpose in blessing me. I want to serve you faithfully, using your gifts and your blessings in my life to honor you and bless others as you would have them blessed. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Timothy 6:5-10
  • Colossians 3:5
  • Luke 12:21

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 16:12-13 NLT — "And if you are not faithful with other people's things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? "

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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