How can we discern when to "give to Caesar" in our daily lives? Setting the Scene “Then He said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ ” (Matthew 22:21) “When they heard this, they marveled. So they left Him and went away.” (Matthew 22:22) Two Realms, One Lord • God has instituted earthly authorities for order and justice (Romans 13:1–2). • Caesar represents every legitimate civic structure—governments, courts, taxation departments, workplace policies. • Yet “the earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). All authority is ultimately delegated from Him (John 19:11). Principles for Discerning Our “Caesar” Moments 1. Identify what clearly belongs to Caesar • Taxes, fees, licenses, and legal compliance. • Civic respect: “Honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7). • Fulfilling contracts, workplace rules, and traffic laws. 2. Acknowledge what belongs only to God • Worship, allegiance, moral obedience, and the stewardship of conscience (Mark 12:30). • Truth-telling and gospel witness, never to be compromised (Acts 4:19–20). 3. Obey unless obedience requires sin • “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). • The line is crossed when a law commands what God forbids or forbids what God commands. 4. Keep a clear conscience before both God and people • “For this reason you pay taxes… not only to avoid punishment but also because of conscience” (Romans 13:6). • A clean conscience frees us to serve God without distraction (1 Timothy 1:5). Caution: When Caesar Oversteps • If ordered to deny Christ, stop preaching, or endorse immorality, believers must respectfully resist (Daniel 3:16–18; Acts 5:29). • Resistance remains courteous: no slander, no violence (1 Peter 2:13–17). • Preparedness to accept consequences with joy, trusting God’s vindication (Acts 5:41). Practical Daily Applications Money • File and pay taxes accurately and on time. • Budget with integrity; avoid hiding income or inflating deductions. Time & Work • Give employers honest hours and wholehearted effort (Colossians 3:22–24). • Follow safety and ethics policies unless they conflict with God’s commands. Speech • Speak respectfully about leaders, even while disagreeing (Titus 3:1–2). • Use lawful avenues—voting, petitions, peaceful assembly—to voice convictions. Family & Community • Teach children to respect authority while grounding them in God’s higher law (Ephesians 6:1–4). • Support local services—schools, roads, relief efforts—through fair taxes and volunteerism. Church Life • Distinguish between charitable giving (to God) and civic dues (to Caesar). • Churches comply with zoning or safety codes yet never dilute the gospel. Living the Balance Render promptly what the state rightfully requires, resist only when obedience would betray Christ, and keep the conscience clean before the One to whom Caesar himself must give account. |
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