What practical steps can ensure God remains our sole "master"? Grounding Our Study in Jesus’ Words “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” — Matthew 6:24 Jesus treats divided loyalty as an impossibility, not merely a bad idea. If He is right—and He always is—then practical, intentional steps are needed so that God alone occupies the throne of the heart. Clearing the Field of Rival Masters • Identify the usual suspects: money, career, relationships, entertainment, reputation. • Relinquish ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Consciously hand every possession, ambition, and role back to Him. • Remove ongoing entanglements: simplify the budget, scale back commitments, unsubscribe from media that derails devotion. Fixing the Eyes on Eternal Treasure • Store treasure where thieves cannot touch it (Matthew 6:19-21). • Set regular giving goals that stretch faith and shrink materialism. • Keep a gratitude journal; content hearts don’t chase new masters. Training the Heart in Contentment • Copy Paul’s secret: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11-13). • Practice daily thank-you moments—before meals, during commutes, at bedtime. • Memorize promises like Hebrews 13:5: “Be content with what you have, for He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Guarding the Gates of the Mind • Filter input: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). • Limit screen time that glamorizes rival gods. • Replace with truth: steady intake of Scripture (Psalm 119:11), Christ-centered music, edifying books. Cultivating a Lifestyle of Worship • Begin and end the day with praise; make worship the bookends of every 24 hours. • Integrate worship into work: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • Turn ordinary tasks—laundry, spreadsheets, lawn-mowing—into offerings of gratitude. Staying Accountable within Community • Meet regularly with believers who will “stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Share victories and temptations openly; secrecy is fertilizer for rival masters. • Pray for one another’s single-hearted devotion. Checking the Heart Daily • Invite the Spirit’s spotlight: “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23-24). • Keep short accounts—confess the moment a lesser loyalty surfaces. • Celebrate progress; God delights in every step toward undivided allegiance. Living by these practices does not earn salvation; it simply aligns life with the reality that only one Master is worthy, and His name is Jesus. |
    |