Jesus was asked, “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar,” (Matt 21:17)? He replied, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s,” (21). Those who asked the question were stunned and retreated from him. In their retreat they left a question unasked, “What is God’s?”
Tomorrow we remember 9/11. We remember where we were when we heard the news, remember the pain, remember the sorrow, and remember how we pulled together. The events of that day affected many in the careers they chose going forward. Some joined the military, some became police and firemen, and some became doctors and nurses. Many of those who responded did so out of love and respect for the government and as a way of honoring God.
Tragedies effect our lives, but we must remember to answer that unasked question, “What is God’s?” Christian bare the image of God, and therefore, we us must not forget our first allegiance is always to Him. Thus we fight to overcome evil with the gospel, bringing real peace through the blood of Jesus’ Cross. We love our enemies and overcome their evil through the workings of the Holy Spirit. We love our country and we obey our government, but we do so out of obedience to God and His Kingdom. We must always be aware that our allegiance to a state, political party, or a leader does not infringe on the second half of Jesus’ statement. Since everything belongs to God, ultimately our allegiance must first always be to God.
Remembering,
Kirby