This past Sunday we read one of my favorite passages. It comes from Matthew 22. You know the story. It is where the Pharisees were trying to trick Jesus.
They went off and plotted. Then they came back to Jesus and with honey dripping off their lips, they posed a question, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?”
Jesus knew better than to fall for their trap. Instead, He answered those crafty old Pharisees with a question of His own, “Show me the coin. Whose image is this?”
Since Caesar created that coin and his image is on it, It is his coin. Jesus says to repay to Caesar what is Caesar’s. As we are created in God’s image, it is God’s image stamped on our hearts. We are His. So, we are to give to God what belongs to God – our very selves. Our hearts.
Give your heart to Jesus. Courageously do what you believe in your heart that He is calling you to do, and give what you believe He is calling you to give. We give to who and what we love, so giving to God draws our heart to Him. He tells us this in Mt 6:21, “Where your treasure is there is your heart. “Giving your heart, your time, talent, and treasure to God and the ministries of the church draws us into a deeper relationship with Jesus. In doing so, you will create a legacy of kindness and generosity that will impact your loved ones and the church for generations to come!
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
Podcast: Play in new window | Download