In His Name Devotionals
CITIZENSHIP (2)
In His Name Devotionals
CITIZENSHIP (2)
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21 NKJV)
The Pharisees came tempting Jesus with an ensnaring question, “Should a man pay his taxes?” Jesus answered with a dictate that has endured down through the ages. In effect He outlined the duty of the Christian to the state and federal government and to God. If a man accepts the coins of Caesar, then he must pay the taxes of Caesar. That is, if one accepts the protection and privileges of his nation, then he is obligated to support the programs his government engages in. The things of God should not be identified with any political party, or social theory, but the Christian must always take his stand for order and law and loyally uphold all those things which bring it about.
Life in its entirety is not lived only for Caesar, but for God as well. The higher allegiance is to God and is most usually in agreement with the loyalty to our nation. There is a danger in neglecting either allegiance, but if you truly render unto God the things that are God’s, that is, your trust, service, worship and love, then you will discover and apply in your own life true citizenship toward mankind.
Pray that God will grant you the power to remake your life in accordance with God’s commands—that you may daily grow in grace and daily may God’s grace be shown in your life and your actions.
