What does it mean to serve two masters, one on earth (that is, the company or the boss) and another in heaven (that is the Lord Jesus Christ)?
When it comes to God and Mammon Jesus told us it is not possible to serve two masters (Matthew 6.24). But the dilemma of having to serve two masters faces most Christians as they go about their daily jobs. How do we cope with this situation and respond rightly? This is one of the crucial questions which the New Testament addresses as it teaches on the Christian and daily work.
Here are four areas to think about.
Obligation to work
Scripture tells us that work is good. It was appointed by God before the Fall (Genesis 1.28; 2.15). To work is part of expressing the image of God in us — for the world is the work of his hands. Though the advent of sin made work difficult and frustrating, nevertheless work is God’s purpose for us and we can find satisfaction in it. So the NT always commends working. ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart’ (Colossians 3.23).
The re-emergence of heavy shepherds
What would you think if you received a letter from your church leaders that read like this? ‘Are church members …