“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” ~ Mark 12:17
Some of the wisest words ever spoken, well, considering the source, of course they are! Obviously, the Pharisees and Herodians had no idea who they were dealing with, thinking they could out wit Jesus, but those words have been echoing down the halls of the ages ever since. Like it or not, everyone has to pay taxes, they are a part of life, do it, and move on. What Jesus said that is really important is “render to God the things that are God’s.” So, what does that entail? Pretty much everything. He has loaned you all your “stuff” to use for the furtherance of His kingdom, but it’s you not your “stuff” He really wants rendered, your heart, your soul, and your body. He wants you to be His child, to trust Him, to live in His mansion forever. If you go to a church that is more concerned with what you put in the offering plate than Who you have in your heart, time to find a new church! Jesus already put all He could in the offering plate so you wouldn’t have to! As you render your taxes this year, do a little self-examining and see how much you are truly rendering to God.
Render