Mt 22: 20-21 Jesus asked them, “Whose image is this, whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
Those crafty Pharisees were trying to trick Jesus when they asked him if it was okay to pay the census tax. Jesus knew better. What a tremendous answer he gave them.
I taught my kids about Caesar’s tax every Halloween. They’d come home from trick-or-treating with a sack full of candy. I’d have them dump it all out on the floor and then impose the Daddy Tax – especially on Milk Duds and Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Thankfully, God does not impose a tax on us. Instead He provides lavishly. Everything is gift; everything is free. Take a moment to think about all the blessings all around us. Now in the Fall:
- Fresh apples in season
- Cool wisps of autumn breezes
- Leaves now in a kaleidoscope of color
- The scent of wood smoke from the hearth
- How many more can you think of? The enthusiastic greeting of a puppy. A good belly-laugh of a child. It can be overwhelming.
God provides these gifts and so much more. All because we are his beloved children. He asks only that we give back cheerfully and generously. And shouldn’t we do so gladly? Like my kids get all that Halloween candy for free, shouldn’t they be willing to share some of it with me? So should we be willing to give to God a return for all He has given us.
Give in return for all the benefits and blessings God gives to you.
Give because It’s Not Your Money.