Post Covid many have pondered and asked what should be the Christian’s relationship with, and obedience to, the government. This question has existed for millennia. Sunday’s reading shows us that this question existed even at the time of Jesus' ministry: “‘Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’ But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, ‘Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.’ So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ And He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ Matthew 22:17-21 The takeaway for us today - The government gets their share in their limited orb of authority, and God is due our endless devotion and obedience in all things in his limitless orb of authority! We all love checklists - so here is one to help guide our thinking on this important question of a Christian’s relationship with the government: (1)Understand that all authority is delegated by God; (2)Submit to laws that do not contradict Scripture, and pay your taxes on time; (3) Focus your life on Jesus’ Kingdom and introducing others to His Kingdom. Don’t focus on political solutions to the problems of the day; (4) Respect the position and authority (albeit limited) of government leaders, and pray for them with the desired outcome for all to live a peaceful and godly life; (5) Request a different path if a government official asks you to disobey the Scripture, take the alternate and agreed upon path. If no alternate is provided then take your stand on the truth of Scripture; (6) No matter what a government might say, never stop preaching God’s word or proselytizing in Jesus name; (7) Never deny the Lordship of Jesus the Christ.
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