Today there are many who claim that religion and politics should not mix. However, don’t most people voice their political opinions based upon their personal sense of values, whether those values acknowledge God or not? If Christianity is our life, can it be any other way? Or are we guilty of divorcing our Christianity from certain segments of life?
We may have no desire to run for public office, but we should still remain mindful of living as good citizens. Though God’s commands should always be held above those set in place by humanity (note Acts 5:29), living as upright members of our society has the potential to reveal Christians are truly a benefit to society.
Luke revealed how Jesus’ earthly parents followed the regulations of the land. Submitting to the decree of Caesar Augustus for all within the borders of his power to register in their own town is what brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem at the time of our Lord’s birth. (Luke 2:1-7) Jesus grew up in the home of a family who observed the commands of God and followed the laws of the land. So, where was Jesus on the subject?
There was an occasion when Peter was asked if his “teacher” paid the half shekel tax and Peter responded, “Yes.” (Matthew 17:24-25) Peter’s response strikes me that he assumed the compliance of Jesus with existing rules and regulations serving to sustain the powers that be in this life. Upon arriving at the house, Jesus addressed the subject with Peter as follows.
We read. . .
“(25)He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” (26) And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. (27) However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”” (Matthew 17:25-27 ESV)
Peter was right! Jesus paid! The son of God set the example!
The subject of taxes arose again on one of the occasions where there was an attempt to trap Jesus in what He taught. The question raised had to do with whether or not it was right to pay taxes to Caesar. (Matthew 22:15-17) Note Jesus’ marvelous response where we read. . .
“(18)But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? (19) Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. (20) And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” (21) They said, “Caesar’s.” 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 22:18-21 ESV)
What was due was to be given to whom it was due! We may rightfully acknowledge the governments of men are far from perfect, but they serve their purpose in maintaining a sense of order and there is support that good citizens will provide. (note Romans 13:1-7) Therefore we are called upon to be respectful and pay the taxes that are due. Paul noted this obligation as being both for the sake of our own conscience and to avoid coming under the wrath of God.
Though we ought to acknowledge our true and lasting citizenship as being in Heaven (Philippians 3:20), let us remain mindful of exemplifying the goodness of Christlikeness while living where we are presently. The day will come when we will be granted a completely tax-free eternal inheritance!
Have a great day LIVING AN UPRIGHT LIFE TO THE GLORY OF GOD!
Carl
