Reflections Of Grace - Luke 16:13

“No servant can serve two masters, for 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 God and money.” — Luke 16:13

This passage is simple and straightforward in its wording, yet we often miss the depth of its meaning.

In a culture dominated by materialism and the postmodern remnants of the so-called “American Dream,” many people recognize the dangers of being fixated on money, even if they still fall prey to its allure.

As such, the last part of this verse tends to receive the most attention.

While money—or wealth in general—is the key example in Luke 16:13, the broader point is made in the first part of the verse: “No servant can serve two masters.”

When rightly understood, we see that this is not merely about God versus money but about God versus everything else.

It just so happens that one of the most prominent expressions of idolatry in the human heart is a fixation on material wealth.

The fact remains that we all must be concerned with earning enough income to support ourselves and our families.

We have earthly responsibilities that require us to serve the interests of an employer, clients, or others. So how can there be such a sharp dichotomy in our servanthood that we are said to be able to serve only one master?

The answer is found in mankind’s God-given purpose in creation.

Based on passages such as 1 Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 73:25-28, and the fullness of the Biblical narrative, we learn that our purpose is “to glorify God and enjoy him forever” (Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q. 1).

Therefore, the dichotomy is this: every pursuit in life either serves that purpose or rejects it.

Thus, the righteous pursuit of money is not for the sake of great wealth or worldly satisfaction but for the provision of our families and posterity, the support of Christ’s church, merciful giving, and the enjoyment of God’s good gifts.

Likewise, righteous service to employers or clients is not merely for their satisfaction or our own but is ultimately a means to glorify God through our labor.

In every case, the ultimate goal of our work is the glory and enjoyment of God.

As Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

May we all be joyfully committed to serving the Lord and Him alone, for He alone is worthy. We were lost, held captive by sin, and deserving of His judgment.

Yet to us, He sent the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Amen.