Serving Two Masters

From the tradition in which I was raised, the Gospel of Luke 16:13 says I cannot serve two masters simultaneously. I can either serve mammon (man, money, earthly powers, personal ambition, worldly opinion, etc.) and reject God, or I can serve the Lord (surrender to the kingdom of God in Jesus' words) and reject mammon. I have often thought about this admonition and especially during the current political climate in this country.

As of today (November 18) 250,000+ individuals have died from the Coronavirus and the current leadership of the nation plus a substantial part of the population call it a hoax and refuse to cooperate in wearing masks, washing hands, and socially distancing. They scream about "freedom" and demand businesses and schools be open. They demand that monetary considerations be placed above human safety and life. They choose Mammon before life (compassion, mercy, and justice). I am NOT advocating one or the other. We do not have to choose between them. BUT it is a matter of priorities. A people or nation that puts economic considerations before human need has lost its moral footing and direction.

It is not an impossible sacrifice to put the welfare of others before personal, selfish, self-centered behavior. As Joshua said to the Hebrew people on that hillside thousands of years ago: "Choose you this day whom you will serve." Our lives and country depend on it.