May 2020 Church Theme - One Master

This May, GKDI churches across the archipelago are taking up a theme, “ONE MASTER,” inspired by Matthew 6:9-21. This article is adapted from a sermon by Rev. Franky Lumenta on Sunday, May 17, 2020.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth; where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven; where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:19-21

In this verse there are 2 elements Jesus speaks about, namely moth and rust. Let us look more deeply from the perspective of science at why God uses the terms moth and rust as things that destroy treasure. 

1. Desire to be Rich - Tear Down

Adult moths have no mouths and live only 15-30 days. So, how do they destroy treasure? It is the moth larvae, about 1-1.5cm in size, whose lifespan is 2-30 months, that destroy treasure. They are comfortable living in dark places and eat anything such as carpets, clothes, and books. 

"Remember, do not practice your righteousness before people to be seen by them, because if you do, you will receive no reward from your Father in heaven. - Matthew 6:1

Interestingly, chapter 6 is like one unity. If we look at the previous verses, Jesus is talking about giving to the needy, praying, and fasting. When it relates to something spiritual, God asks us to do it in secret. But when it relates to treasure, God wants us to expose it. Why?

Because what is hidden, what is unseen, namely the motivation for why we work and seek money, is what we need to pay attention to. When our motivation is to become rich, then that is what harms us, sinks us, tears us down, and destroys us. Because that is what will become our master and dominate our thoughts, so that our master is no longer God, but mammon (money). 

That is why God speaks in the parable about moths, because even though they are very small and hidden, they can destroy many things. 

But those who want to get rich fall into temptation, into a snare, and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. - 1 Timothy 6:9

So, we can ask ourselves, "What motivates you to do something to get money? Is wealth what we seek? Is the fear of losing something what dominates you?"

2. Difficult Situation - Testing

The second parable is about rust. Jesus reveals that rust can destroy treasure. In those days, what was considered valuable treasure was gold, silver, and bronze. However, those three treasures do not rust easily or are not corrosive. What is corrosive is iron, but iron was not included as valuable treasure.

However, if we study further, gold, silver, and bronze can be corrosive under extreme conditions, namely if they are dissolved by certain liquids. This also relates to our faith. It is in extreme conditions that our faith or faithfulness is tested. And in these conditions our master is revealed, whether God or mammon. 

Matthew 6:25 "Therefore I tell you: Do not worry about your life, about what you will eat or drink, and do not worry about your body, about what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothing?

If we begin to think about what we will eat, drink, and wear for tomorrow, it means we are in an extreme condition. 

Right now, we are in the coronavirus pandemic, which can be an extreme condition for some people. If we are included in the category of those who are lacking, in this condition we need to work harder and more creatively. Because in that way, we refuse to be defeated by circumstances that make us stressed, disappointed, and lose hope. If we have enough and even more than enough, then we need to share.

Wealth is good, but the desire to become rich is what is not good, and that is what can destroy. And it is in extreme circumstances that we are tested, and at that moment we become aware of who our master is, whether God, or mammon?

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Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every region. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official:

WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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