Mastering Life

Matthew 6:24 “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.”
 
JESUS continues his Sermon on the Mount to elevate your eyes, mind and heart onto him. You know what serving two (or more) masters looks like, don't you? As a Christian, you have heard and been taught how important it is to read the Bible, attend church, pray, serve, give and do other good responses to Jesus’ teachings. But you know there is much room for improvement. It seems your family, your employer, your need for food today and even your church’s demands are a few of the things that master your time and energy. How do you truly serve the Master above all things that affect your life– even your own lack of desire to know God?  
   Consider this. If you were a slave, you would have no choice but to completely obey your master’s bidding. After all, he had purchased you to obey his demands on your life. Now, what about the Master, Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior? Is he not, “Worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation”  (Revelation 5:9) In Christ, you are new creation (2 Corinthians 6:17b) in the kingdom of God.
   We read and hear this. Still we live as if we can choose our response to the Master. Our natural desire for “free” will must become “faith” will. There is only one will to properly control our lives when the Savior calls. True faith directs you to God's purpose, which is his will to be done on earth through you.  
   In truth, Jesus becomes your sole Master when you do some soul work. As you confess Jesus, “My Lord and Savior.” be mindful he is Lord, the Son of God, Living Word, sacrificial Lamb. Now that your sins have been laid upon the sinless one, what better purpose for your life than to be Jesus’ servant?
   As Jesus teaches kingdom life, he is your Master who requires your life. His command is to your heart, mind and soul to spend time knowing and doing your life’s purpose in view of Jesus’ servant sacrifice for you. Jesus is teaching us to stop moving in random circles, mastered by earthly needs to instead purposefully walk in line with your Master.
   Yes, it’s true. Family, food, job responsibilities, church service and many more actions are essential for responsible and good Christian life. But we do these works in light of our Master’s authority. To call Jesus, “Lord.” is, indeed, to confess he is your Master. Be prepared then to live into your words. Be purposeful and loving to seek and to respond to him.
     
2 Peter 1:4 Through his glory and goodness Jesus has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.