“He said to them, Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Luke 20:25
The leaders of the temple did not give up on trying to catch Jesus in something wrong. This time they sent some others to try to trap Him. The famous question of whether it is right to pay taxes to a worldly government or not was brought up. Jesus gives a very simple answer in that you are to give Caesar what is his, and to God what is His.
Looking at that time frame and what Caesar represented gives you a picture of why this question might be asked. Caesar was the leader of the dreaded Roman Empire. They controlled all of Israel, God’s chosen people. He did not fear or follow God in any way.
Today, with the majority, if not all, of the countries in the world, they are run by people in a government that does not serve or follow God. They do not lead the countries with a fear of God.
In America, many Christians do not want to pay taxes because the government uses that money for sinful lifestyle promotions. Others don’t want to pay because they feel it is an infringement on their freedom.
As a believer you must look at it from God’s point of view. Who in reality owns everything and has a right to it? God is the one who owns everything. He allows people to use His stuff to live on this earth.
You, as a believer in Jesus, do not really own anything. You are just a steward of what God has blessed you with.
From the world’s point of view, and God’s, you must give others what is theirs. Jesus stated that you must give the world what is the world’s. Do not be afraid to pay the tax. God will provide more abundantly for you than the government can. God can also use that tax money for His benefit if He chooses to do so.
In America, people love their freedom and their rights. As a Christian, you are a slave to God and have no rights. As a Christian you are a citizen of a different world. Give to Caesar what he wants. God will take care of you.
I pray today that God will reveal His power over the world to you; that you will trust God for all of your provision; that you will not be afraid of the world; and that God will give you the strength to be His witness.
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