The Things That Are God's
And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his
talk. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care
about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way
of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we
not?” But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a
denarius and let me look at it.” And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose
likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar's.” Jesus said to them,
“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”
And they marveled at him. (Mark 12:13-17)
I’ve always found this account compelling. Jesus knew their evil intent and still entertained their
question. I’ve struggled to understand what Jesus meant by saying they should give to Caesar
what belongs to Caesar. Did he mean they should pay taxes? Obey the laws of the state? Give
allegiance to the country?
One of our pastors recently read this verse in the context of praying for our country as we
approached the election. After the reading, as we bowed our heads, something dawned on me.
I’ve been asking the wrong question. I was hung up on the first part of the verse, the part about
Caesar; but the point Jesus was making is we should give to God what belongs to God. If we
get that part right, other priorities fall into place.
Therefore, we must answer the question: what are we to give to God?
Everything. Our very selves. First place in our hearts, our minds, our affections, and our
allegiances. Before we are anything else, we are His children. Before we are husbands or
wives, parents or friends. Before we are Americans. We were and we are… His children.
Only when we are able (through His grace) to rightly order these things will we know that our
well-being, our sense of security, our allegiance, and our purpose are solely tied to Christ and
His kingdom. Together, let’s embrace these truths and resist any messaging that contradicts
them.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord
Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)
Heavenly Father, search our hearts. Where priorities are out of whack, will You order them
rightly? Where trust is misplaced, will You reveal truth, correct us, and heal our hearts so we
can love You more faithfully? By Your grace, help us give You what is Yours.
By Lori Barkley
Lori and her husband Jim attend the Armstrong Mill campus where she serves as a deacon.
They have two daughters, Brynn and Katy.
