With A Whole Heart
Here at Christ Community Church, we have six life questions. These questions are designed to help us (in cooperation with the Spirit of God) identify how we are doing in following Jesus in a life-defining way. We all have areas to celebrate and praise God for as he grows us, and areas that we need to grow in. One of those questions is, “How are my investments doing?” This isn’t the question of our retirement portfolios, but of our strategic and generous investment of our resources into the kingdom of God. We all have resources to invest, our time, talents, and treasure. The thing about this question is that it challenges us to consider all of the places and things that we are investing in and if we are investing with a whole or a divided heart in the kingdom. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, speaks of loving God with a whole heart.
His words in Matthew 6:24 are both piercing and pastoral: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” In this teaching, Jesus speaks directly to the core of our hearts, calling us to undivided loyalty. His message is clear: divided devotion leads to distorted living. We were created to serve and love one master—God Himself.
The reason Jesus warns us about money—what He calls mammon—is that it so easily becomes a rival god (an idol). Money promises security, status, and control. Money is only one idol that we pursue. There are so many more. And too often, we turn the good gifts of God into idols – family, education, careers, houses, cars, toys. Jesus knows that our hearts are idol factories. Unlike the true God, idols always demand more than they give, and they never make good on their promises.
At first glance, Jesus’ words can feel harsh or restrictive. But consider the tone of Jesus: He is not only warning us but freeing us. Serving two masters fractures the soul. It disrupts our focus and confuses our purpose. We become like ships with two captains, turning in circles, never finding harbor. Jesus’ call is not a burden—it is an invitation to wholeness. He invites us to love God with everything we are: heart, soul, mind, and strength. F.V. Filson wisely observes, “If man divides his interest and tries to focus on both God and possessions, he has no clear vision, and will live without clear orientation or direction. Life not focused on God’s claim and command is lost in spiritual darkness.” This is not just a theological statement—it’s a pastoral one. When our hearts are split between God and lesser loves, we wander. We become anxious, preoccupied, and spiritually dry. The light of Christ dims, and the joy of knowing Him becomes clouded.
To love God with everything is not merely a command; it is a path to life. It means placing Him at the center of every decision, desire, and direction. It means resisting the lure of things that cannot satisfy and choosing the One who alone gives rest to our souls. It means trusting that God is not only sovereign but good, not only holy but gracious. Leon Morris, in his commentary on Matthew, underscores this point: “Jesus demands wholeheartedness. There is no room for divided loyalties in the kingdom of God” (p. 154). The call to love God fully is not just about rejecting money; it is about embracing a better master—a good Father, a faithful Savior.
Loving God with all that we are is not only our calling—it is our deepest joy. Serve Him alone, and you will walk in light, purpose, and peace.
So, let’s ask, how are my investments doing? Am I investing (win an undivided heart) in the kingdom with my time, talents, and treasure?