"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." ~ Matthew 6:24 NKJV
The term mammon stems from the Greek word mammonas and related root words appear in Hebrew, Latin, and Aramaic.
In short, mammon can be defined as "earthly goods; property; riches." Mammon is the things of this world that can divert our attention and love from God to the pleasures and comforts of earthly desires. Although mammon can provide fleeting happiness, ultimately it is a deadly distraction from the salvation of our souls.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia gives the following information about the biblical term "mammon":
A common Aramaic word (mamon) for riches, used in Matthew 6:24 and in Luke 16:9-13. In these passages mammon merely means wealth, and is called "unrighteous," because the abuse of riches is more frequent than their right use. In Luke 16:13 there is doubtless personification, but there is no proof that there was in New Testament times a Syrian deity called Mammon.
Money is one of the most common examples of mammon as something that people prioritize over the sanctification of their lives. Whether it's the love of money, consumed by an obsession with acquiring more wealth, or the fear of not having enough. Other examples of mammon include leisure, lust, entertainment, and the new technology of social media.
Mammon can be summarized as the pursuits of worldly things and pleasures, earthly pursuits we put ahead of purifying our hearts and minds from sin.
There are many warnings in the Bible about the temptations of mammon and worldly pursuits. We are advised to forego our love of the world and seek first the Kingdom of God, to love our heavenly Father with all of our heart, soul, and mind.
The disciple Paul addresses the godly outlook of mammon in 1 Timothy 6:6-10:
“Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
In Luke 16:14-15, Jesus reproves those who resisted hearing His advice to embrace God over mammon: “The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.’”
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment." ~ Matthew 22:36-38
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." ~ 1 John 2:15
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~ Hebrews 13:5
"But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." ~ 1 Timothy 6:8-11
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:19
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~ Hebrews 13:5
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. ~ 1 Timothy 6:17-19
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Matthew 6:21
Lord God, heavenly Father, rule and govern our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that we may not, hear your Word in vain and become so devoted to worldly things that we forget eternal things, but that we serve those who are in need and not defile ourselves with carousing and pride.
Keep us from despair when we experience trials and misfortunes and move us to trust wholly in your fatherly help and grace, so that in faith and Christian patience we may overcome all things; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one true God, now and forever. Amen.
Source: Veit Dietrich, d. 1549, Trinity 1
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