Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me

Richness: Matthew 6:19-24, Exodus 20:3

This part of scriptures we have to read in connection with Matthew 6:13 where it is stated, "Lead us not into temptation." The evil one leads us into temptation by trying to fix our eyes on earthly treasures. It could become a driving power in our lives and we will be exposed to many temptations.

We must pay attention that our eyes do not aim to mammon and its domain, but direct our eyes on Christ and his treasures in Heaven. The treasures upon earth carry the mark of "perishable."

God's child can be blessed with earthly possessions (richness) but he must not put this in his heart. That's why Jesus said in verse 22, "Let thine eye be single." But when our eyes are eveil, "never satisfied," our hearts will be in darkness. Mammon, earthly treasures have no divine light in themselves.

No man can serve two master. verse 24 . . . God or Mammon.

Mammon is fortune/wealth/riches/, object of trust in life and attachment to it.

Proverbs 10:15, "The rich man's wealth is his strong city."
Proverbs 18:11, ". . . and as an high wall in his own conceit."

Jesus made it plain to us that mammon is another god (an idol). The god of this world (mammon) that tempts us, the children of God.

Mammon also means, "hidden treasure." It makes the possessor a possessor of the devil by temptation. God wants us to posses Him, the giver of life and happiness (Job 31:24-28).

Have no confidence in mammon, for we will deny the God that is above.

Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.