"'No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:24 NIV
In an article published Friday titled “Who Will Run the World Championships Marathon for the U.S. This Summer?” the writer explained why the three men and women runners that qualify for the position (selected by a descending order time list) might not accept the invitation to represent the United States: Not every American athlete will accept a spot, if offered. Some instead will choose to focus on a fall marathon, where they can earn substantial appearance fees and prize money that aren’t offered at worlds. Others won’t race at all this summer or fall, and instead they’ll train for the Olympic Marathon Trials in February 2024. How is it likely to shake out? Runner’s World reached out to the top seven men and women currently on the list or their coaches or agents to inquire about their plans. And out of the 14 runners asked, only four of them (2 men and 2 women) gave a definite yes. Others either said no or said they would consider it. In other words, only a small percentage were willing to forego the fame and fortune to represent their country.
And you know, when it comes to representing Christ to the world, the Bible is very clear that "no one can serve two masters." Which means that every person must decide for themselves whether they will pursue fame and fortune or the things of God, keeping in mind that they will either "hate the one and love the other" because they "cannot serve both God and money." Which means there is no middle ground. The thing you pursue above all else is where your heart and your allegiance lies. This obviously doesn't mean that we don't work to obtain a paycheck but that the pursuit of money doesn't occupy our thoughts, time, and efforts--it's merely a means to provide for ourselves and for our families, to further the Kingdom, and to fulfill the calling God has placed on our lives.
So don't fall into the worldly trap of thinking that you can serve both God and money my friend because you can't. Jesus Christ demands and deserves our full allegiance. But this is the good part... when you serve God here, you gain everything in eternity. But when you serve money, although you might gain a bit of fame and fortune here, you lose eternity.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we cannot serve both God and money and that neglecting to choose You is choosing the world. Lord, in this materialistic world that we live in please make us content with having only the things we need that we might not pursue things that don't matter. Cause us to seek the Kingdom and You first Father so that we would live worthy of being a representative of Jesus Christ. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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