A Choice Worth Making: Slave to an Object or Slave to a Perfect Master

A Choice Worth Making: Slave to an Object or Slave to a Perfect Master

In life, every one of us serves something. Whether we realize it or not, we are all devoted to something or someone that governs our actions, choices, and priorities. The question isn’t whether we’ll serve, but what we’ll serve. Will we be slaves to material objects, constantly chasing what cannot satisfy, or will we choose to serve the perfect Master—our Lord God, who offers eternal peace, fulfillment, and purpose?

This is a choice worth making, and the Bible provides profound guidance on the matter.

The Slavery of Serving Objects

The Bible warns us about the dangers of serving the things of this world. Material possessions—money, cars, clothes, status—may seem fulfilling, but they can quickly become idols that demand more and more of our energy, time, and resources.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:24,
"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

When we become slaves to objects, we enter into a cycle of dissatisfaction. That shiny new car loses its appeal. The bigger house doesn’t fill the emptiness inside. The thrill of buying something new fades, and we find ourselves searching for the next thing, believing it will finally bring happiness. This endless chase for material satisfaction is a form of bondage.

In Ecclesiastes 5:10, we’re reminded:
"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless."

The pursuit of objects is deceptive. It drains our energy and keeps us focused on the temporary, blinding us to what truly matters—our relationship with God and the eternal blessings He promises.

Serving the Perfect Master

On the other hand, serving the Lord is the pathway to true freedom and fulfillment. Unlike the objects of this world, which take and never give back, God is a perfect Master who loves, guides, and sustains His people. When we choose to surrender our lives to Him, we are no longer bound by the fleeting desires of this world. Instead, we are free to live with purpose, peace, and eternal hope.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus offers this invitation:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Unlike the burdens of serving material possessions, God’s "yoke" is easy, and His "burden" is light. Serving Him doesn’t deplete us; it restores us. It aligns our lives with His divine plan and gives us a sense of meaning that no object could ever provide.

The Bible’s Call to Choose Wisely

The Bible calls us to make a deliberate choice about who or what we will serve. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua challenges the Israelites:
"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

This is a choice we must make every day. Will we serve the fleeting idols of this world, or will we serve the eternal, perfect Master who promises to supply all our needs?

Practical Steps to Choose God Over Objects

1. Evaluate Your Priorities
   Reflect on where your time, energy, and money are going. Are you spending more time chasing possessions than cultivating your relationship with God?

2. Practice Gratitude
   Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you already have. Thank God for His blessings daily.

3. Simplify Your Life
   Let go of the unnecessary. Clear out material clutter and focus on what truly matters—your faith, relationships, and purpose.

4. Seek God’s Guidance
   Spend time in prayer and Scripture, asking God to show you where your heart is divided and how you can realign it with Him.

5. Commit to Serving Him Daily
   Start each day with a prayer of surrender: "Lord, I choose to serve You today. Guide my steps and keep my heart focused on Your will."

A Life of Freedom and Fulfillment

The choice between serving objects and serving God is ultimately about freedom. Serving objects enslaves us to an endless cycle of dissatisfaction. Serving God liberates us to live a life of purpose, joy, and peace. As Jesus said in John 8:36,
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

You have the power to choose. Will you be a slave to objects that demand everything and give nothing in return, or will you serve the perfect Master, the Lord God, who offers you everything you truly need? The answer to that question could change your life forever.

At Build, Serve, Grow, we believe in empowering individuals to live with purpose and align their lives with the truth of God’s Word. Join us in making the choice to serve the perfect Master and experience the freedom and fulfillment only He can provide