Wednesday July 12th, 2023
« ”Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply completely amazed them »
1 Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen.
2 If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible.
3 Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.
3 Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage.
4 But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it.
5 That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.
6 That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained.
7 Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.
There are some characters that portray children of God in a bad light today.
For example, some of us want to enjoy the social amenities provided by government but don’t want to pay taxes. Those who manifest such behavior are only trying to reap where they did not sow.
Contrary to this, Paul admonishes us in today’s Bible reading to be patriotic enough to pay our taxes and perform other civic responsibilities that are expected of us.
Our obedience to civic laws should not be by coercion but voluntary, as unto the Lord.
The Holy Spirit describes those who are in authority as ministers of God, looking out for our own good (Romans 13:4).
It is therefore surprising that some Christians despise their political leaders through their “holier-than-thou” attitude.
Christians who defraud the government by not paying their taxes are no better than the government officials whom they despise for stealing government funds.
They will all definitely be judged according to their evil deeds on the last day.
A government worker who is expected to put in eight hours of work but does just three and uses the rest for his or her personal activities is as guilty as those who loot the government treasury with the pen.
As an employee, do you really work for the expected amount of time for which you are being paid?
What do you understand from what the Lord is saying in today’s memory verse?
Many people erroneously think that giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar means bribing their way into Caesar’s favor.
This is not true!
Caesar takes receipted tributes, such as taxes, dues and levies and not bribes.
When you pay your taxes, God is happy with you because you are contributing to the wellbeing of the community you live in,
this does not however exempt you from paying your tithes, offerings and first fruits to God.
Caesar does not take tithes and offerings, but he must also not be denied his dues and taxes for the construction of roads, bridges and other social amenities.
Notwithstanding, let it not surprise you as I say today that if you pay your tithes and offering but default in paying taxes, you are guilty of reaping where you did not sow when you enjoy social amenities being provided by the government you refuse to pay taxes to.
If you are guilty of this, repent today, and find ways to give back to your community.
Prayer point: Father, give me all I need to play my role in the society and in Your house, through the payment of my taxes to the government and my tithe and offering to You.
Author: Bishop Enoch. A. Adeboye.
Edited by Naomie
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