In today’s world, we’re often caught in the battle between the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Mammon. This struggle is particularly relevant when we face economic challenges, as highlighted in Revelation 6:6: “I heard a voice amid the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny, and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.” This passage indicates a time of economic hardship, where war and famine lead to inflation and scarcity.
Recent reports like the Gold Coast Council’s NAYBA Impact Audit have identified financial insecurity as one of the top three challenges. According to the Centre for Economic and Policy Research, food prices have risen by 23.5% since the pandemic. These real-world issues reflect the biblical warnings and remind us of the urgency to choose our guiding principles wisely.
Biblical Guidance
In Matthew 6:24-25, 33-34 (AMPC), Jesus teaches us, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in).” Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing?……………But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.”
In its most profound sense, the concept of “serve” involves a deep commitment to others, similar to being an enslaved person or bondservant, involuntarily or voluntarily. To serve is to willingly place oneself in a position of submission and dedication, prioritising the needs and well-being of others above one’s own. This notion of service can manifest in various forms, from acts of kindness and support to the more structured roles within the Kingdom of God, impacting the marketplace or communities. Genuine service, as implied in its definition, requires a mindset of humility and a heart willing to be bound to the cause of helping and uplifting others, reflecting a spirit of selflessness and devotion.
“Money doesn’t change people; it reveals people!”
– Shaun Smit
Money doesn’t change people; it reveals them. This principle is evident in how individuals prioritise their pursuits. Mammon, derived from the Chaldean word “mammōnas,” signifies confidence in wealth, personified as extreme greed. It represents an entity that can capture our hearts and lead us away from spiritual values, principles and foundations. Mammon is a Spirit that seeks to capture your heart to harden your heart from Seeking God and His Kingdom.
Indicators of Mammon’s Presence
1. Prioritising wealth over the Kingdom. (i.e. building your empire before building the Kingdom of God)
2. Forsaking moral and spiritual principles. (Some examples are ignoring principles in the Bible such as lifestyle, such as Fasting, Prayer, Giving, Tithing, and Gathering regularly with the saints.)
3. Engaging in unethical behaviours driven by fear or greed (e.g., Bribery, dishonest gains, pride, lust, and greed).
Elijah and the Widow (1 Kings 17:8-16)
This story differentiates between the Spirit of Mammon and the Spirit of God. Despite a severe famine, the Widow obeys Elijah’s request to use her last bit of flour and oil to make him bread. Her obedience leads to miraculous provision, contrasting the fear-driven scarcity mindset of Mammon with the faith and abundance mindset of God’s Spirit.
Here are some practical comparisons:
1. The Spirit of Mammon
> Fear and Scarcity Mindset:
Operates on fear, promoting a scarcity mindset where there is never enough, leading to hoarding and self-preservation.
> Dependence on Material Wealth:
Self-reliance on material possessions and wealth as a source of security and sustenance.
> Self-Reliance and Distrust:
It fosters a reliance on one’s abilities and resources, often accompanied by distrust in God’s provision and faithfulness.
2. The Spirit of God
> Faith and Abundance Mindset:
A spirit of faith arises, promoting an abundance mindset where God’s resources are limitless and available to those who trust Him.
Dependence on Divine Provision: The Spirit of God encourages reliance on God’s provision and faithfulness, trusting He will supply all needs.
> Obedience and Generosity:
It fosters a willingness to obey God’s instructions and be generous, even when it seems contrary to circumstances or risky.
Babylon and Egypt symbolise systems of oppression and materialism, emphasising human power and wealth. In contrast, the Kingdom of God embodies justice, peace, love, and divine provision. God requires us to seek first His Kingdom and His way of doing things over the world’s ways. That doesn’t mean we can learn from the world’s innovation and systems. However, the Kingdom way must be our foundation.
Practical Steps for Choosing God Over Mammon
1. Seek First the Kingdom: Prioritise spiritual growth and God’s righteousness.
2. Hear God’s Voice: Cultivate a listening ear for divine guidance.
3. Obey God’s Voice: Follow through on what God instructs.
4. Obey God’s Word: Align your actions with biblical principles.
5. Cultivate Faith and Generosity: Adopt an abundance mindset and practice generosity.
Eric Liddell said, “Obedience to God’s will is the secret of spiritual knowledge and insight. It is not willingness to know, but the willingness to do (obey) God’s will that brings certainty.”
Similarly, Craig Groeschel notes that “I believe Christians often perceive obedience to God as some test designed to see if we’re committed to Him. But what if it’s designed as God’s way of giving us what’s best for us?”
Serving God rather than Mammon aligns us with divine provision and purpose. Today, I decided to seek the Kingdom first, obey God’s voice, and cultivate a mindset of faith and abundance. This choice will bring personal fulfilment and create a lasting, Godly legacy in the marketplace and beyond.
Let us embrace the heart of Jesus, the ultimate servant leader, and choose God’s ways over the fleeting promises of Mammon. This is the path to true prosperity and eternal impact.
This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 28th of July, 2024. You can watch the full message below.