by John Grant
“Then He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21
It comes around once each year…. TAX DAY. April 15 is the day our government has set as the day we file our tax return for the previous year. We don’t like the complexity of the return. We think taxes are too high and we don’t like the spend our money, but pay we must.
Jesus actually validated paying our taxes when he said we should render unto Caesar that which belongs to Caesar, so we often hear tax day referred to as render to Caesar day. But there was more to what Jesus said.
Remember the context. The Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus into blaspheming, and asked if it was lawful for Jews to pay taxes to Rome. Jesus held up a coin and asked whose picture was on it, and the Pharisees replied that it was Caesar’s picture. So, Jesus told them to give to Caesar (secular authority) that which was his (taxes) and give to God what belonged to Him (praise and worship).
There is but one tax return filing date each year, but for the Christian there should be 365 praise and worship days. Every day should be God’s day. Are you giving to God the praise and worship he deserves? Are you giving to Him the tithes and offerings that are rightfully His?
I recently heard a great message where the pastor quoted Psalm 150, verse 6: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Praise the Lord. He then asked a poignant question. If that verse said “Let everything that praises the Lord have breath, how many of us would be breathing today?”
What are you rendering to God? Do you render the praise and worship He deserves? Do you praise and thank Him every time you draw a breath? Interestingly, when you look through publications and even Bible commentaries for the “rendering” verse, more emphasis is placed on the rendering to Caesar part that to the rendering to God part,
Remember to pay your taxes on time, but remember to give God praise and worship all the time. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
(a thought on life from John Grant )
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2011/04/14/jg_totally-rendering/
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney