Three years ago, we purchased our current home.  It’s “in the country” in that I have no near neighbors and am surrounded on three sides by woods. It’s peaceful and quiet.  Yet in about half a mile there is an interstate exit, numerous fast food places and convenience stores, several restaurants, and a great grocery store.  I like to think that we “have the best of both worlds”, both country and city living.

 

   While that may be idyllic, there is a type of “best of both worlds” living that is self-defeating.  That is when Christians try to hang on to “the best” of their Christian beliefs while also trying to hang on to what they consider “the best” of the secular world.  Jesus referred to it as trying to have two masters.  He said “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24 NIV).

 

   I know that people want the best things for their families as well as themselves but there will come a time when wanting what the world says is best for family and what the Lord says is best for the family will clash.  Unless we are totally committed to the Lord our first step will be to compromise our beliefs.  Jesus wasn’t saying that we would literally hate the one we gave less time and effort.  Rather He was saying that one would eventually win out; one would become our priority.  The Lord said in Matthew 6:21 ““For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

 

   Make no mistake about it, God wants…even demands…your heart.  All of it. When He has your heart, He has your devotion, your commitment, and your obedience.  The result of that is that, at the end of the day, you have God’s hand on you.  Isn’t that what you want?  Like the old song says, “I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold”.

 

Say good things about your Savior and His Church on the Bluff

 

Bro. Tony