Have you ever played Simon Says? You know, that childhood game where someone gives commands and you only follow if “Simon says”? It’s fun, sure—but it’s more than just a game. It’s a picture of life. Whether you realize it or not, you’re following someone. You’re letting something rule your life. And Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, makes it clear—you’ve only got two choices: you can follow Him, or you can follow something else.
Today, I want you to hear this clearly: there is a Christ to follow. And if it’s not Jesus, then it’s going to be something or someone far less worthy—maybe appearances, the praise of others, money and worry, or a hypercritical spirit. But those are poor rulers. Let me show you why.
In Matthew chapters 5 through 7, Jesus gives what I believe is the greatest sermon ever preached. And right in the heart of it, He says, “No one can serve two masters.” That’s not a suggestion. That’s reality. Someone is sitting on the throne of your heart. The question is: who?
Let me give you four rulers that Jesus warns us about—four false masters that still enslave people today.
- Is your life ruled by superficial religion?
Jesus points out how the scribes and Pharisees focused on outward obedience—but their hearts were corrupt. They taught “don’t murder,” but nurtured hate. They condemned adultery but excused lust. They upheld marriage in name but treated spouses like disposable property. And Jesus says, unless your righteousness goes deeper than that, you won’t enter the kingdom of heaven.
Let me ask you—do you just look the part? Do you come to church, dress right, say the right words—but your heart is full of apathy or pride or bitterness? That’s superficial religion. And Jesus didn’t die for that. He calls you to a righteousness that transforms you from the inside out.
- Is your life ruled by what others think?
Jesus says, Don’t do your giving, praying, or fasting to be seen by men. If that’s your reward—if praise and applause are what you crave—you’ll get them, but that’s all you’ll get. God has no reward for those ruled by appearances. People are fickle. They’ll love you one day and forget you the next. But your Father sees in secret—and He rewards faithfulness.
Let me challenge you: don’t live for the crowd. Don’t let the fear of people or the need for their approval be your master. Let Jesus be your reason for every act of devotion.
- Is your life ruled by money and worry?
Jesus spends more time in this sermon on materialism and anxiety than on any other subject. Why? Because it’s where so many of us stumble. He says you can’t serve God and money. And if you try, worry will take over your heart. Jesus isn’t saying you can’t have things—He’s saying don’t let things have you.
He tells us to look at the birds, the flowers—they don’t stress, and God takes care of them. So why don’t you trust Him? When money rules, faith fades. But when Christ rules, peace reigns.
- Is your life ruled by a critical spirit?
In Matthew 7, Jesus warns against judgmentalism. It’s not that we should never make moral judgments—He tells us to discern between swine and pearls. But when I’m quick to see the speck in your eye and blind to the log in mine, I’ve made myself judge and jury—and I’m not qualified for the job.
A critical spirit doesn’t build up—it tears down. And Jesus says that kind of hypocrisy will come back on your own head.
Now, let me ask you directly: who’s ruling your life?
If it’s Jesus, then your life is built on rock. But if it’s one of these false masters, then it’s sand—and storms are coming. The wise man hears and does what Jesus says. The foolish man just listens and walks away.
Following Jesus isn’t a game. It’s life or death. He said, “Follow Me,” and if you do, He’ll take you somewhere your idols never could—into real joy, real peace, and eternal life.
So look at your time. Look at your checkbook. Look at your thoughts and your priorities. They will tell you who you’re following.
There’s a Christ to follow. And He’s the only one worth giving your whole life to.
Don’t settle for anything less. Follow Him.
In this second lesson, Neal Pollard focuses on Matthew 5-7 and discusses the stark contrast between the Pharisees’ influence of superficial religion versus the religion Christ offered.
