What did Jesus mean by ‘you cannot serve both God and money’?

[jennifer_bloom]

Aside from the physical sensation of food or water in a swimming pool or sunlight during a walk in the park, I get no enjoyment from financial or material things. My dad was furious with me during a vacation because I was scribbling notes on the bible during my bus ride to the cathedral in Portugal instead of photographing the beautiful travel route on our way there, he said my desire to prioritize bible study over vacation time was evidence I was insane and needed therapy.

Jesus said it is possible to love God and hate money, and I would not say that is to be taken literally because everybody on earth needs money to buy food and water and shelter, so God would not want you to hate your food, your water and your shelter, but instead, Jesus meant, the love and indulgent use of money for physical pleasure is not supported by bible teaching, rather than the use of money to buy things you need to help you and those you love.

[astlavista]

Jesus meant that money should not become your master or highest priority. You can have wealth, but if your decisions, values, and identity are ruled by money instead of God, then money has effectively become what you serve.

[ericJackson]

Great perspective. Money is just a tool to take care of needs and bless others it only becomes a problem when it becomes the main goal in life.

[loveyouoak]

I think what he meant was that if you serve God, you shouldn't put money above everything else. You shouldn't let money or the things of this world tempt you. On the other hand, if you make money your god, worship it, and put it first in your life, you can't really claim to be religious. You have to choose one of them; otherwise, you're being inconsistent.

[Saddlebread]

He meant that you can't take it with you. The related quote about it being easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter heaven referred to the following.

The eye of a needle meant a passageway a little smaller than a regular door. They were located at perimeter of walled municipalities. The design was the enforcement mechanism animal traffic that prevented a camel from entering with its cargo.

[SamIam96]

Both you and your father were squandering your time driving through the lovely countryside.

Staring through a camera lens, taking pictures that you will never look at again is not mindfully enjoying the moment. Writing notes that could be written any time isn't either.

[Micheal6918]

You can't focus on money while serving GOD, he will give you money when you don't make money your GOD

[RachyRach]

That we should not prioritize working and have no time to pray or read the Bible

[RareBreedOfMan]

God means to put him first not money after all they say money is the root of all evil.