Most modern English versions translate the last word in this verse as "money," which is a bit unfortunate, because Mammon goes by many other names. These days, she prefers to be known as "financial independence," "economic security," "free enterprise," or "Business".
I attended an Amway seminar last night. Well, they don't call themselves Amway. Amway is "the product that we use in the Business," and it was only mentioned by name twice, seemingly accidentally. No, the organisation is called Network 21, and it's a motivational and training company encouraging people to go into the Business of selling Amway products. The major part of the enterprise, however, is recruitment of other people to join in the Business. It is thus a "Multi-level marketing operation," but there can be a very fine line between this and a pyramid scheme.
I had heard before that some considered Amway to be a cult, but I could scarcely believe it. Everything I saw last night, though, would back up this assertion. This article examines the issue, and points to traits like suppression of critical thinking (participants were told not to listen to family members who were negative about this enterprise) and separation from friends and family ("this Business is like your family") which are indications of cult-like behaviour. There is also an emphasis on uniformity – you need to do things exactly the way you're told ("why would you want to do it any other way?").
Indeed, the whole struck me as being almost a parody of the Christian gospel. Instead of evangelism, they have what is referred to as "prospecting". The evil twin of sanctification is what they call "personal development". (And yes – being in this Business will, apparently, make you a better person.) And, of course, salvation is replaced by Success. Not just money, of course – but Freedom, and Time To Do What You Want, and Being Your Own Person.
So it's quite clear that being in Amway is incompatible with being a Christian. You must choose. You cannot follow both Jesus and worldly success. But what about all the lost souls in Amway? Should we view it as an unreached sub-culture? Should we get involved in it as a form of incarnational ministry? Three things:
1. The end never justifies the means. It doesn't matter how many people you can reach with the gospel, or how much you can earn to give to kingdom work, you cannot glorify God by seeking after worldly success.
2. Anyone who thinks that they can be a part of Amway without being caught up in the pursuit of Success is sadly deluded.
3. One's witness is always going to be compromised if one makes money while one shares the gospel. Confusion will inevitably result between bringing someone to Christ, and getting them involved in the Business.
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