You can't serve two masters
Meaning
It is impossible to simultaneously dedicate oneself fully and faithfully to two conflicting obligations, loyalties, or goals.
Origin
This powerful idiom springs directly from the pages of the New Testament, appearing in both Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13. In these verses, Jesus unequivocally declares, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Mammon, a term for wealth or earthly possessions, represented a competing devotion to God. The phrase vividly illustrates the fundamental impossibility of splitting one's ultimate allegiance between two opposing forces, whether they be spiritual, material, or personal. It became a timeless warning: true devotion demands singularity.
Examples
- As a manager, you can't serve two masters; you must prioritize the company's success over your personal friendships with employees.
- He quickly realized that he couldn't serve two masters when his demanding new job made it impossible to continue his intensive volunteer work.
- The politician found himself in a difficult position, knowing you can't serve two masters when trying to please both his environmentalist base and the industrial lobbyists.
- Many artists struggle because you can't serve two masters: commercial success often compromises artistic integrity.
- She tried to balance a full-time university course with a full-time job, but soon discovered that you can't serve two masters effectively.
- In any serious relationship, understanding that you can't serve two masters is crucial for trust and commitment.
- The startup's founder learned the hard way that you can't serve two masters when trying to develop a groundbreaking product while also satisfying impatient investors.