Render Unto Caesar
They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But He detected their trickery and said to them, “Show Me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Luke 20:21-25 (NASB)
Millions of Americans have been engaged for the last few months in the annual ritual of “rendering to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”. All of the activity and anxiety will climax today and then subside for the next nine months. Each of us will deal with the stress in different ways. One of the ways is to joke about it. Nicky Gumbel tells us of a man who sent a check to the government for back taxes with a note attached that said: “I felt so guilty for cheating on my taxes I had to send you this check. If I don’t feel any better, I’ll send you the rest.”
This joke that Nicky tells represents, at least in part, the thinking that resides in this ritual. We want to do everything to minimize how much we have to pay. My intention is not to discuss the tax laws or even to share “loop holes” that might be over looked in the code. I am drawn to the symbolism found on April 15th, “the day of reckoning”. Each year we give an accounting to the government as to what we have earned. We follow the tax code so that each of us are using the same standard by which we offer our account. And when we get to the bottom line, we celebrate or lament the outcome. Either way, we have to account for what we have done.
Try what you will, and many try to get around paying taxes, sooner or later we will face a day of reckoning. If this is true about something as simple as paying taxes, why would anyone think the principle of accountability would not be applied on an eternal scale? Jesus reminds us of this when ask about paying taxes. So on this day, April 15th, a day of reckoning, take the time to reflect on the eternal principles set forth in the Bible, God’s Holy Word. The standard by which all people will gave an accounting. Reflect on just one question, “Are you rendering unto God all that is His?”
The coins we use are stamped with the images of our government so it stand to reason that a part of it pays taxes. The Bible says in Genesis 1:27 (NASB), “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” We are created in the image of God, therefore let us live life according to the design of the Creator. Take time to read about His plan for you today.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the reminder that I will be held accountable for how I live life. Forgive me for living only for myself. Help me to live according to the Golden Rule “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you …” Matthew 7:12 (NASB). In Jesus Name, Amen.