Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and give to God what is God's!

Give to God what is God!

"And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teach the way of God in truth, and no one gives you, because you do not look the person of men. Tell us, then, do you think? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he said unto them, Whose is this image and inscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's. And they heard it, they marveled, and left him and went away. " (Matthew 22: 16-22)

"Render therefore to each of their dues: tribute to whom tribute; custom to whom custom; to whom respect; if honor, then honor. " (Romans 13: 7)

What did Jesus mean by the words "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's"? Reading the text superficially we can reach a foregone conclusion; therefore, have attention to reflect on what Jesus was talking about. All that the Master spoke meant much more than the ears hear and understand the human mind. Consider:

The person / preacher with materialistic tendency (material point of view), you will find this text, opportunity to talk about tithes, offerings and prosperity enjoyed by those who practice such things. One could argue that we should our finances to God; it is our duty to contribute to the work of God (I personally believe it).

From a strictly spiritual point of view, we find opening to talk about the image and "Description" of God in every human being; as a tag or a label that identifies who created them and, therefore, to whom they belong; as well as the image on the coin was Caesar. "Dai men to God, because He belong."

But we can and should go deeper in the words of Jesus. A comprehensive point of view it gets a little more serious.

What, and who have given what we ??

- We Given what is due to "Pharaoh" - (read Employer or Work). Figuratively speaking, Egypt is Service / Easements. We give (about) 10 hours a day, 50 hours per week 250 hours each month. Maybe more! Out the "hours" in traffic.

- We Given what is due to "Caesar" that at the initial passage context, represent the Taxes / Tax (Government).

- We give our spouses, their children, society, as far as possible, what is their due.

- We give ourselves also, as far as possible, what is due us.

But what God ???? Do we have what is given Him ???

Now, what is God? You can ask!

ALL !!

But God does not want anything; He wants what is really important to Him!

You can (and really what else happens) have your opinion about what is important to God, but in many cases, if not most, you or I err in our opinions and conclusions! This is because, as said the prophet Isaiah 55: 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." What is important and priority for you may not be for God and, unfortunately, the opposite is true!

However, if we really want to know what is important to God, we have to use his own word!

What is important to him ??

1) That He is the FIRST, CENTER, the TREASURE in / of his life (Mt 6:21 and 22.37,38)

The vast majority of our problems occur or somatize up because we do not give God the first place in our lives. Worse than that is to say, the mouth a little too (Oops ...), that He is the first, that He is the center of our lives not being (Oops ...) but be sincere (With vc same, because He does not deceive) God is not the center ... It is not the first! Our behavior and attitudes do not show it !! There has to be consistency in speech and action !!

2) Let Him be Lord of your life (Josh 23.8 / Is 43.11)

God will not be the FIRST in our lives if He is not our LORD; and He will not be Lord was not the FIRST! We must recognize that He is sovereign, Almighty, Omniscient, our Savior.

3) That you CARE with him and their things (Mt 6:33)

Virtually all the prayers and actions we think more of ourselves than others. And what about God? How many of us and many times we CARE about the things of God? With the cause of God?

We give good day to everyone around us, we ask how are; we care about the well being of some people ... and God? We think, "God does not need ... He is God"; yes, God without us is God; us without God ... what are we?

However, it is not the issue so much need ... But to know that someone is caring about you! We see Jesus saying, "How long you suffer"; "You can not watch with me one hour if you want?". We see Paul speaking: "Grieve not the Holy Spirit ...". The Bible shows us that we can please or displease God.

4) May you be holy, Salt and Light (1 Peter 1:15 / At 13:47)

Holiness, respect / fear, obedience are essential to cultivate a relationship and increase intimacy with God.

5) What do you Adore and the truth of Worship from the depths of your soul (John 4:23)

Worship is much more live than talk; is much more than simply having attitude praise. We love living and live worshiping in spirit and in truth!

6) What you Love and help your neighbor to take your load (Galatians 6.2). Needless to say too much!

Realize, dear (a), the words of Jesus, you can and should give to each one his due ... But do not forget to give God, too, which is his due!

WARNING: The Bible says, "Seek God while He may be found ..." (Isaiah 55.6). The day will come that people will want to put God first, will want Him to be Lord of their lives, but may not; will not find !!

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: because the time is near. (Rev. 1: 3)