What does "give to God what is God's" mean for our daily lives? Setting the Scene “Then Jesus told them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’ And they marveled at Him.” (Mark 12:17) What Belongs to God? • Everything created by Him—“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). • Our very selves—“Know that the LORD, He is God. It is He who made us, and we are His” (Psalm 100:3). • Our worship and allegiance—“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). • Our bodies—“You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Our resources—“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). Worship and Allegiance • Giving God what is God’s starts with undivided devotion; no rival authority supersedes His commands (Acts 5:29). • Daily choices—music, media, conversations—become acts of worship when they honor His character (Colossians 3:17). Stewardship of Resources • Finances: budgeting begins with recognizing every dollar as His; generous giving, tithes, offerings flow naturally (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Time: scheduling prayer, Scripture, service first rather than squeezing them in last (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Talents: using skills for kingdom purposes, whether teaching, craftsmanship, or hospitality (1 Peter 4:10). Wholehearted Obedience • Submitting attitudes and actions to Scripture’s authority—no selective obedience (James 1:22). • Displaying integrity at work and school because we ultimately serve the Lord, not people (Colossians 3:23-24). Practical Daily Applications • Morning surrender: verbally acknowledge, “Lord, all I am and have is Yours today.” • Budget review: set aside first-fruits giving before paying bills. • Digital gatekeeping: evaluate screen time; replace empty scrolling with Scripture or encouragement. • Relationship check: forgive quickly, love sacrificially, reflecting the God whose image we bear (Ephesians 4:32). • Body care: rest, exercise, and purity choices that treat the body as His temple. Caution Against Compartmentalization • Jesus rejects the notion that spiritual life fits in a Sunday box while the rest belongs to “Caesar.” • Even civic duties are performed with God’s glory in view (Romans 13:1-7), yet they never override obedience to Him. Living as God’s Image-Bearers • The coin bore Caesar’s image, so it belonged to Caesar; we bear God’s image, so we belong to God. • Every interaction therefore becomes a chance to reflect His holiness, justice, mercy, and truth (Micah 6:8). Response of Gratitude • Giving God what is God’s is not burdensome but grateful response to His grace (Romans 12:1). • When hearts grasp redemption’s cost, surrender becomes the joyful “reasonable service” of everyday life. |
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