Devotional Thoughts about Matthew 22:15-22
Christians often chafe at the thought of being responsible to the state, especially when they can point to concrete instances of injustice, corruption and ungodliness. Yet Jesus confirms in this brief passage the state’s right to levy taxes. (See Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17 for more about the Christian and government.)
Although governments are far from perfect, God still uses them as servants, tools to provide a measure of order and stability in this fallen world. For us it’s a matter of expedience as well as conscience to honor them and pay them what we owe (Romans 13:5).
But the much wider question is: "What do we owe God?” There’s nothing on this earth or outside of it that doesn’t belong to Him. All of our money and possessions are His; He’s just given us the stewardship of them. The same applies to our time, our relationships and everything we love. Are we using them for His glory?
Trusting in Christ for our salvation is the baseline of giving God what belongs to Him: ourselves. From there it goes on to living a life sold out to Him (see Romans 12:1,2).
Lord, help me to conscientiously give others all that’s due them (Romans 13:7). But help me especially to give You myself in all areas of life.
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