In today’s world, success is often measured by income, possessions, and productivity. The hustle culture is celebrated, financial gain is glorified, and busyness is worn like a badge of honor.
A few weeks ago, our church wrapped up our study in the book of Nehemiah. It was such a great time spent learning about this book. Towards the middle of chapter 13 Nehemiah writes how God’s people aren’t observing the Sabbath day, their only concern was commerce and selling their provisions. Our pastor commented about that and said that “serving the God of commerce will rob you of life”. That stuck with me as I found myself convicted of this for the majority of my life before coming to Christ in desperate need of a savior.
But beneath the surface of that there was a deeper question, and it was one that applies to everyone:
What is all of this costing you?
I have been grateful to have a very good friend and mentor who has spent a lot of time discipling me these past few years and one of the many things I learned was how to count the cost. Also, this message isn’t just for Christians because whether you follow Jesus Christ, are unsure what you believe, or are simply searching for meaning, this truth is universal:
When something becomes your ultimate pursuit, it will eventually shape and often drain your life.
The Rise of a Modern Master
Jesus said:
“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
“You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Even if you don’t identify as a Christian, the principle is clear:
You cannot give ultimate loyalty to two competing priorities.
“Mammon” represents more than money, it represents the pursuit of wealth, success, and control as the driving force of life.
When that pursuit becomes central, everything else begins to orbit around it.
It Robs You of Inner Life
No matter your beliefs, most people recognize this feeling:
- You achieve something you once wanted…
- It feels good—for a moment…
- Then the satisfaction fades
And the cycle begins again.
Desire → Achievement → Temporary Satisfaction → More Desire
This isn’t just a spiritual issue, it’s a human one.
If your life is built on “more,” it will never feel like enough.
It Robs You of Peace
The pursuit of success often brings pressure:
- Fear of losing what you’ve gained
- Stress to maintain or grow it
- Comparison with others
Instead of freedom, you feel managed by your own goals.
Even without religious language, many would agree:
A life driven by constant striving rarely produces lasting peace.
It Robs You of Relationships
When success becomes central, people can unintentionally become secondary.
- Time with family gets replaced with work
- Conversations become transactional
- Value gets tied to usefulness
This isn’t usually intentional but it’s a gradual change over time.
But over time, relationships can feel strained or shallow.
What you prioritize will always shape what you preserve.
It Robs You of Integrity
When outcomes matter more than principles, compromise becomes easier.
- Cutting corners
- Justifying decisions
- Redefining what’s “acceptable”
For some, this is a moral or spiritual issue.
For others, it simply becomes a question of identity:
Who are you becoming in the process of getting what you want?
It Robs You of Time
Time is the one thing no one can earn back.
And yet, it’s often what gets traded the fastest:
- Moments missed
- Rest delayed
- Life postponed
Many people spend years building a life they don’t have time to enjoy.
You can always make more money but never more time.
It Robs You of Identity
In a commerce driven world, identity can quietly shift:
- Worth becomes tied to productivity
- Value becomes tied to income
- Identity becomes tied to performance
Even outside of faith, this creates pressure:
If you are what you produce…
what happens when you stop producing?
A Deeper Question About Life
Jesus asked a question that still challenges people today:
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” – Mark 8:36 KNJV
Even if you interpret that spiritually, metaphorically, or philosophically the idea is powerful:
What if you gain everything you’re chasing… and still feel like something is missing?
The Illusion of Control
Money and success can create a sense of control—but it’s limited:
- Circumstances change
- Health shifts
- Life is unpredictable
At some point, everyone encounters the limits of what success can provide.
Restoring the Right Order
This isn’t about rejecting work, ambition, or success.
It’s about putting them in the right place.
For those who follow Christ, that means:
- God is first
- Everything else flows from that foundation
For those still exploring, it may begin with a simpler step:
- Defining what truly matters
- Setting boundaries around what you pursue
- Refusing to let success define your worth
Commerce is a tool, however it was never meant to be your master.
Final Thoughts
Serving the “god of commerce” happens subtly, but its impact is real and can end up leaving life feeling full on the outside yet empty within.
But there is another way.
Jesus Christ invites anyone, whether you believe or are still searching to step out of the cycle of striving and into true rest and purpose.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 NKJV
Calling on Jesus doesn’t require perfection, just honesty. It begins with recognizing that what you’ve been chasing hasn’t satisfied and being willing to turn toward something greater.
A simple prayer can be your first step:
“Jesus, I’ve been chasing things that haven’t given me life. Lord please ead me into what is true.”
Whether you’re returning to Him or reaching out for the first time, this is your moment to realign your life with what truly matters.
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