The Cost Of Serving Two Masters Series

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#58]

THE COST OF SERVING TWO MASTERS

Luke 16:1-18

Introduction:

Jesus challenges us with a tough question- Can we really serve two masters at the same time? In our busy, modern lives, it’s easy to think we can balance everything- Our faith, our careers, our relationships, and our desire for comfort and success; but Jesus warns that trying to divide our loyalty between God and money, or anything else that pulls at our hearts, comes with a heavy price. It’s not just about making a choice; it’s about where we place our trust and devotion. When we live with divided hearts, we risk losing sight of what truly matters- Our integrity, our purpose, and ultimately, our relationship with God.

This isn’t just an ancient story; it’s a mirror for us today. Many of us might be unknowingly caught in this tug-of-war, making decisions that favor temporary gains over eternal truths. The real question is- What is the cost of trying to serve both? Is it worth sacrificing our peace, integrity, or even our soul? Jesus makes it clear- Serving two masters isn’t just difficult; it’s impossible. Today, we’re going to explore what it means to be fully committed to God and what it costs us to keep that focus in a world full of distractions and competing loyalties.

Luke 16:1-9

1. Prioritize eternal values over earthly gains.

Prioritizing eternal values over earthly gains means seeing beyond the temporary promises of material wealth and recognizing what truly matters in life. In today’s culture, we’re often encouraged to chase after success, possessions, and status, believing they will bring happiness and security; but Jesus teaches us that these things are fleeting and uncertain. Instead, He invites us to invest in things that last forever- Our relationships with God and others, acts of kindness, and spiritual growth. When we shift our focus to eternal priorities, we start making choices that have lasting significance, knowing that true security and fulfillment come from storing up treasures in Heaven, not on Earth.

Living this way also challenges our hearts and loyalties. It’s easy to get caught up in dual loyalties, (serving both God and money) without realizing it; but Jesus makes it clear that we can’t serve both at the same time; our devotion will inevitably be divided. Prioritizing eternal values requires a heart surrender, a willingness to give up some of the comforts and possessions that distract us from what really matters. It’s about trusting that investing in God’s Kingdom, (whether through generosity, service, or simply living intentionally) will bring us genuine joy and purpose that no earthly wealth can provide.

Ultimately, choosing eternal over earthly gains is about living with an eternal perspective. It’s trusting that what we invest in now, especially in serving others and growing spiritually, will have eternal rewards. This mindset transforms how we make decisions every day- Whether it’s how we handle our finances, how we spend our time, or how we treat others. It’s a call to live intentionally, knowing that true riches are found in eternal relationships and God's Kingdom. The real cost of serving two masters is spiritual emptiness; but the reward of focusing on what truly lasts is a life of purpose, joy, and an eternal inheritance that far surpasses anything this World can offer.

Luke 16:10-12

2. Be faithful with what God has entrusted to you.

Being faithful with what God has entrusted to us isn’t just about doing what’s expected; it’s about showing integrity and loyalty in how we handle the resources, talents, and responsibilities He’s given us. When we are faithful in small things, (like managing our time well, being honest in our work, or using our abilities to serve others) it reveals where our heart truly lies. Jesus reminds us that if we can be trusted with little, we can be trusted with much, because our faithfulness reflects our character and whether we’re truly committed to God’s Kingdom or just going through the motions.

Serving two masters, (like money and God) divides our loyalty and makes it impossible to fully honor either. When we try to please both, we end up neglecting what really matters. Faithfulness means making a deliberate choice to prioritize God’s ways over worldly pursuits. It’s about recognizing that everything we have ultimately belongs to Him. Being trustworthy with our earthly resources shows that we understand who is truly in control and that we’re willing to put God first, even when it costs us comfort or popularity.

Ultimately, our faithfulness now isn’t just about this life; it’s about eternity. The way we handle what God has given us is a test for greater responsibilities in His Kingdom. When we’re faithful with the small things, God can trust us with more- Whether that’s serving others, leading others, or growing spiritually. Living with this perspective helps us see that every act of honesty, kindness, and stewardship is part of our calling to serve God wholeheartedly, knowing that true reward and fulfillment come from Him alone.