Do you render to God that which is God's? What exactly does this mean to you? I work, pay my taxes, follow the laws, and my legal obligations but to me Caeser has not rights to my children nor my home. I take nothing from Caeser other than the legal rights and police protection.
2006-09-27 19:44:35 · 10 answers · asked by Debra M. Wishing Peace To All 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes the future is unsure: I believe that what the government gives it controls. I want no govermental control.
2006-09-27 19:49:13 · update #1
I am not speaking of money.
2006-09-27 19:55:00 · update #2
Mark 12:17
Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."
This passage about giving Caesar what belongs to him and giving God what is His has often been quoted to suggest that Jesus separated our civic obligations from our spiritual or God-oriented obligations. And should they clash, it seems obvious that the Christian should choose God over country.
However, Jesus did not keep the two separate because WHATEVER BELONGS TO CAESAR REALLY BELONGS TO GOD for God is Creator of all things. All human authority, secular or sacred, comes from God.
Christians should obey their government because obedience to governments is part of what Christians owe God. We pay taxes and serve our country as part of our total obligation to God. In other words, it is not our government or country that is intrinsically worth it, but really God himself who deserves everything, including our service to and for our country.
Not every Christian is called to be in politics or government service. But everyone has the office of citizenship, ie, civic and social responsibilities. This means obeying the laws of the land (like not jay-walking and littering) but good citizenship should go beyond mere obedience to the law.
In other words, Christians should help create a better and more conciliatory society in partnership with good government. But what if the country compels its citizens to act in ways that conflict with the obedience to God?
Many of us may just turn to Acts 5:29 where the apostles were bold to say "We must obey God rather than men!" But is this the only course of action?
Citizens of heaven should make good citizens of earth.
-adapted from vantagepoint sept-oct 2006 issue- by editor Michael Tan
2006-09-27 21:55:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you are referencing the book of Matthew
Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
To me it means that you should give to the governing body, what the governing body asks. Like taxes for example. We use money that belongs to the United States of America. Yes, we must pay our taxes etc. or we could lose our house, be put in jail, or whatever whim the governing body fancies. Money is what makes the world go 'round. But NEVER will I glorify my government for it's actions. Glory and reverence belong only to God. No man can take that from you. I will honor God because, to me, No man can undo what God has done. God does not ask for money. He only asks for the respect that is due to him, and to honor the laws he has made for us. So even though the King may take the money and run, God takes your homage and writes this in the Book of Life. The King can't take his money to Heaven, but the penniless are welcome to enter the kingdom of God as long as they have paid their respects and followed the Ten Commandments. No matter how much a leader is wrapped up in his self, he will not go to heaven as long as he thinks he is a God himself. But the meek shall inherit the Earth.
2006-09-28 03:11:54 · answer #2 · answered by Rollover Mikey 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a good idea to keep "Caesar" out of your home and away from your children. May God guide your path.
2006-09-28 02:50:26 · answer #3 · answered by AcePrincess 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are obviously quoting the Bible. Don't take it literally. Remember that the stories in it have changed many times since they were first written.
If you try and take the Bible literally, then you will be trying to live the life of a Christian as a medieval Englishman would have saw fit.
The Bible is mean for moral guidance. Its meanings are important, not its words.
2006-09-28 02:49:22 · answer #4 · answered by shoby_shoby2003 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I agree...
He gets what he says is his, although, God gets His first.
Until Ceasar says I can't worship or teach my children the way I see fit, we're on good terms.
But, I do see that coming to an end soon....
2006-09-28 02:48:17 · answer #5 · answered by azar_and_bath 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that means pay your taxes and don't commit crimes. You sure don't need to send your kids to public school. I bet you also use public roads & sidewalks and a few other public amenites.
2006-09-28 02:48:59 · answer #6 · answered by Susan M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One, two, three, four...
Hrmm!
One, two, (one, two, three, four!)
Let me tell you how it will be;
There's one for you, nineteen for me.
'Cause I’m the taxman,
Yeah, I’m the taxman.
Should five per cent appear too small,
Be thankful I don't take it all.
'Cause I’m the taxman,
Yeah, I’m the taxman.
(if you drive a car, car;) - I’ll tax the street;
(if you try to sit, sit;) - I’ll tax your seat;
(if you get too cold, cold;) - I’ll tax the heat;
(if you take a walk, walk;) - I'll tax your feet.
Taxman!
'Cause I’m the taxman,
Yeah, I’m the taxman.
Don't ask me what I want it for, (ah-ah, mister Wilson)
If you don't want to pay some more. (ah-ah, mister heath)
'Cause I’m the taxman,
Yeah, I’m the taxman.
Now my advice for those who die, (taxman)
Declare the pennies on your eyes. (taxman)
'Cause I’m the taxman,
Yeah, I’m the taxman.
And you're working for no one but me.
Taxman!
2006-09-28 02:53:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't save my money under my bed or anything, I give it back
2006-09-28 02:47:02 · answer #8 · answered by owner4nothing 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God has no use for money.
2006-09-28 02:53:52 · answer #9 · answered by tammidee10 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
FATHER_FAMILY_WORK ....IN THAT ORDER OF IMPORTANCE
2006-09-28 02:48:13 · answer #10 · answered by jas3tm 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋