一个仆人不能侍奉两个主，不是恶这个爱那个，就是重这个轻那个；你们不能又侍奉　神，又侍奉玛门。”(路加福音 16:13 和合本)

    有些基督徒对上面的经文不以为然，认为那是2000年前古犹太人的做法，现今的生活里不存在这样的情况。可在实际生活中却根本无法认清自己是否受制于‘物质主义’即玛门（mammon）的辖制，尤其是在儒释道传承了上千年的文化土壤里更是难以辨别哪些是侍奉玛门，哪些是按照神的教导做事，让我们对比经文思考一下：

亲爱的弟兄姐妹，

    在我们的日常生活中，物质主义的诱惑无处不在。许多基督徒在不知不觉中被物质主义所控制，却未能认清这一点。耶稣曾明确警告我们：“一个人不能侍奉两个主。不是恶这个爱那个，就是重这个轻那个。你们不能又侍奉　神，又侍奉玛门。”(马太福音 6:24 和合本)今天，让我们一同反思，如何在这个物质主义盛行的世界中，保持对神的忠诚。

1、认清物质主义的实质
物质主义的诱惑：

    物质主义（或玛门）不仅仅是对财富的追求，更是一种生活态度和价值观。它鼓励人们将金钱、地位和物质享受视为生活的核心和目标。在现代社会，物质主义通过广告、媒体和社交网络不断渗透我们的思想，使我们不知不觉中将财富和成功等同于幸福和价值。不少基督徒甚至在求问神指引生活的同时，也在暗暗的思考：我何时才会‘发财’呢？

物质主义的陷阱：

    物质主义会导致贪婪、自私和焦虑，使我们偏离神的教导。有些人可能会为了追求物质财富而忽视家庭、友谊和信仰，甚至采取不道德的手段，并且会不自觉地自我安慰：神不也会藉着财富祝福祂的儿女吗？为什么不能是我呢？

2、辨别侍奉玛门的行为，避免过度追求财富和地位

    如果我们将大部分时间和精力都花在追求财富和社会地位上，忽略了家庭、教会和个人的灵修，这就是在侍奉玛门。例如，为了升职或赚更多的钱，我们可能会忽视与家人相处的时间，缺席教会活动，甚至忽视每日的祷告和读经。甚至在得到了‘不义之财’后心中充满了不安和自责，不知不觉进入了撒旦歧途的带领。

攀比和消费主义：

    物质主义鼓励我们不断攀比，通过购买最新的手机、汽车、房产等来获得认同和满足。然而，这种满足感过了以后却永远无法填补内心对神的话语背离产生的懊恼。
    我们需要警惕，如果消费不是为了满足基本需求，而是为了炫耀或攀比，这种行为也是侍奉玛门的表现。

忽视灵性的成长：

    如果我们发现自己越来越少地参与教会活动，越来越少地祷告和读经，而将大部分时间花在工作、购物和娱乐上，这表明我们可能已经被物质主义所控制，离撒旦的召唤已近在咫尺。

3、在儒释道文化中保持信仰的纯洁

融会贯通，取其精华：

    儒释道文化中有许多值得我们学习的优良品质，如儒家的仁爱、道家的简朴和佛教的慈悲。这些理念可以帮助我们更好地理解和实践基督教教义。我们可以从中汲取智慧，回归简单、节俭和内省的生活方式，避免被物质主义所奴役。

坚定信仰的根基：

    在日常生活中，加固自己的信仰根基至关重要。通过每日的祷告、读经和参加教会活动，我们可以不断提醒自己，神才是我们唯一的主。例如，每天早晨花时间读一段圣经，祷告求神赐予我们智慧和力量，帮助我们在生活中做出正确的选择。

4、实践神的教导
感恩与知足：

    培养感恩的心态，珍惜神所赐的一切。当我们学会感恩和知足时，就不会被物质主义所诱惑。例如，每天早晚的祷告可以从感恩神的赐予开始，感谢神的恩典和祝福。

关爱与服侍他人：

    通过关爱和服侍他人，我们可以摆脱自私和贪婪的束缚，真正体验到神的爱和喜乐。例如，参与教会的公益活动，探访有需要的社区成员，分享我们的时间和资源。

简化生活，回归本真：

    选择简化而有意义的生活方式，减少对物质的依赖。通过简化生活，我们可以更多地专注于信仰和内心的平安。例如，定期整理家中的物品，捐赠不需要的物品，避免不必要的消费。

结语
    亲爱的弟兄姐妹，愿我们在这个物质主义盛行的时代仍能警醒自省，能意识到自己身处资本的网罗和儒释道文化的影响，需要坚定的依靠主，找到坚持基督信仰的方法，追求真正的平安和满足。愿神的爱与平安常与我们同在，指引我们走在祂的正道上。

    愿神祝福每个人！让我们一起为此祷告。

（如有建议敬请留言讨论，邮箱：[email protected]）

Who Is Serving Mammon?

“No servant 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.” —Luke 16:13 NKJV

Some Christians dismiss the above verse as nothing more than an ancient practice of the Jews from 2,000 years ago, believing that such matters do not exist in modern life. Yet in actuality, it is often very difficult to discern whether we are under the control of materialism—Mammon—especially within a cultural soil enriched over thousands of years by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It becomes hard to tell which behaviors are truly about serving Mammon and which are conducted in accordance with God’s teachings. Let us compare the Scriptures and reflect on the matter:

Dear brothers and sisters,

In our everyday lives, the temptations of materialism are ubiquitous. Many Christians, without realizing it, are ruled by materialism. Jesus clearly warned us:

 “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)

Today, let us reflect together on how to remain loyal to God in this materialistic world.

1. Recognizing the Essence of Materialism

The Temptation of Materialism: Materialism (or Mammon) is not merely the pursuit of wealth; it is a lifestyle and a set of values that places money, status, and material enjoyment at the center of life. In modern society, materialism seeps into our consciousness through advertising, media, and social networks—often leading us, almost unknowingly, to equate wealth and success with happiness and self-worth. Many Christians even, while seeking God’s guidance, secretly ponder, “When will I finally get rich?”

The Trap of Materialism: Materialism can result in greed, selfishness, and anxiety, driving us away from God’s teachings. Some may chase material wealth at the expense of family, friendship, and faith—sometimes even resorting to immoral means. In doing so, they may comfort themselves with the thought, “Doesn’t God also bless His children through wealth? Why can’t I have that too?”

2. Distinguishing Behaviors That Serve Mammon

If we spend most of our time and energy pursuing wealth and social status while neglecting family, church, and our personal spiritual growth, we are, in effect, serving Mammon. For example, in the quest for a promotion or to earn more money, we might sacrifice family time, skip church services, or even neglect daily prayer and Bible reading. Even when we obtain “unrighteous wealth,” a sense of anxiety and guilt may fill our hearts, gradually steering us down Satan’s path.

On Comparison and Consumerism: Materialism pushes us to constantly compare—buying the latest smartphones, cars, or houses as a way to gain status and validation. Yet, once the fleeting satisfaction fades, it leaves behind an emptiness that nothing can fill—especially not the void left by distancing ourselves from God’s word.

Neglecting Spiritual Growth: When we notice that we increasingly avoid church activities, that our prayer and Bible study have waned as we devote more time to work, shopping, and entertainment, it is likely a sign that materialism has taken hold of us—bringing us dangerously close to the lure of Satan.

3. Maintaining the Purity of Faith Amid a Confucian– Buddhist–Taoist Culture

Integrate and Extract the Essence: Within Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist traditions lie many admirable qualities—such as Confucian benevolence, Taoist simplicity, and Buddhist compassion—that can help us better understand and live out Christian doctrine. We can draw on this wisdom to return to a life characterized by simplicity, frugality, and introspection, avoiding the enslavement of materialism.

Strengthen the Foundation of Your Faith: In everyday life, it is crucial to reinforce your spiritual foundation. Engage in daily prayer, Bible reading, and active participation in church activities to continually remind yourself that God is your one and only Master. For instance, spending time each morning reading Scripture and praying for wisdom and strength can help you make right and godly decisions throughout the day.

4. Practicing God’s Teachings

Gratitude and Contentment: Cultivate a heart of gratitude and cherish all that God has given you. When we learn to be thankful and content, we are less likely to fall prey to materialistic temptations. For example, your daily prayers might begin with thanking God for His blessings and grace.

Loving and Serving Others: By caring for and serving others, you can break free from selfishness and greed, experiencing the true love and joy of God. Engage in church outreach programs, visit community members in need, and share your time and resources generously.

Simplify Your Life and Return to Its Essence: Opt for a simple yet meaningful lifestyle that reduces dependence on material possessions. Simplifying life allows you to focus more fully on your faith and inner peace. Consider periodically decluttering your home, donating unnecessary items, and resisting the urge for excessive consumption.

Conclusion

Dear brothers and sisters, may we remain vigilant and self-reflective in this era where materialism prevails. Let us recognize that we are caught in the net of capital and deeply influenced by Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist cultural norms. In response, we must steadfastly rely on the Lord to find ways to maintain our Christian faith. In doing so, we pursue true peace and fulfillment. May God’s love and peace always be with us, guiding us on His righteous path.

May God bless each one of us! Let us come together in prayer for this cause.