Definition: No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 16:13. It's a really important message about priorities and true happiness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying that you can’t be truly happy and fulfilled if you’re devoted to two things – God and money (or anything else). Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “No servant can serve two masters…” : Imagine a servant who works for a king. They're loyal to the king, and they follow his rules and commands. That servant is happy because they are serving someone important. Now, imagine a servant who works for a wealthy merchant. They’re loyal to the merchant, but they’re also working to earn money. This servant might be content with their job, but it's not as fulfilling as if they were dedicated to something more meaningful. “…and love the one, and love the other” : This is the key part. The verse says that a true servant will love both God and what He provides (like money or possessions). Loving God means obeying His commands and being faithful to Him. Loving money – or anything else – means prioritizing it over your relationship with God. “Or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other” : This is a consequence of not loving God and focusing on material things. If you’re only devoted to money, you might be tempted to ignore God's teachings or even act in ways that harm others because you’re focused on your own gain. You’ll likely hold one thing (money) very dear while neglecting the other (God). “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” : This is the core of the verse. It means that if you're truly devoted to serving God, you cannot be focused on earning money or gaining wealth. You can’t dedicate your time, energy, and loyalty to something that doesn’t align with your spiritual goals. In a nutshell, the verse is a warning against being greedy or obsessed with worldly things. True happiness comes from aligning yourself with God, living a righteous life, and focusing on what truly matters – your relationship with Him and your eternal reward in Heaven. Why is this important? It's a reminder to: Prioritize spiritual values: Don’t let material wealth or worldly pursuits overshadow your faith. Live a Godly life: Focus on doing what’s right, reflecting God's character, and being good. Don't be consumed by greed: Avoid becoming obsessed with accumulating wealth – it can blind you to the true meaning of life. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, perhaps relate it to a specific situation or example?