Two master syndrome.

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Matthew 6:24

The ‘two master’ syndrome is rampant in this world. We try so hard to justify … both masters in our lives. Yet this piercing truth from Jesus strikes at the very core of our hearts. Whether it be politics, or religion, or any other preference, or idol, or addiction – so many put that other ‘master’ BEFORE their allegiance to Jesus Christ, and then they try to … justify it. Usually the ‘master’ of wealth / money is the ‘big boy’ bully on the block. These bullies want your complete allegiance. And the world celebrates you when you ‘fall in line’, and applauds you, and congratulates you, and tells you how smart you are. Where is this happening? Especially in Government halls and jobs, big entertainment industries, big sporting venues, big money corporations, and other colosseum type of gatherings. The crowd can most definitely become a bully very quickly, when you begin to ask the wrong questions that exposes the evil. We’ve seen that example all sorts of places lately, citizen journalists for one.

I am saddened by those who proclaim to be Christian and then immediately go on a political tirade using all sorts of foul language and expounding on their hatred for a certain political figure. Really? Obviously, TDS is real. Obviously, they have forgotten who our real enemies are.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

Ahem. Are humans blood and flesh? What is the command Jesus gives to us about our enemies?

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”  Matthew 5:44-45

Are you actually praying for those in leadership over you? Are you praying for their souls? Are you actually wanting them to have a real relationship with Jesus? Or do you just want them dead? We’ve got some real doozies who have given themselves over completely to evil. Is their hope for them? Honestly, I don’t know, I just know what Jesus asked me to do … for them, which is to pray for them. So, I actually have to pray for them not out of spite and hatred but from the actual love of Jesus Christ. This is sometimes VERY difficult, …most of Jesus’ commands are. What will praying for our enemies actually do? First, it will change your heart and perspective. Second, if you actually follow His instructions to you afterwards this may happen…

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:19-20

Which reminds me of this scripture…

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Which ways are better? Whose thoughts are better? Do you actually believe that? What do your past actions and words show about that ‘belief’ you say you have?

Father …forgive us …for putting so many other things in our lives before YOU! Jesus … YOU show us the ‘way’! Holy Spirit …YOU warn us not to go down certain roads, please help us hear YOU!