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Christians are citizens of two
different countries. One is earthly, and the other is heavenly Rom.13:1-7; Phil.3:20-21, and Christians need to
recognize that God has assigned them responsibilities in both realms. Most of the time a Christian can fulfill
his responsibilities to each without conflict. But there are times when submission to the earthly becomes
distasteful because it benefits the wicked at the expense of the Christian. The Christian is then placed in a
dilemma, knowing that obedience to earthly authorities will not make it easy to serve God. What should a
Christian do in such circumstances?
I believe Jesus gives us the
answer in Matt.22:15- 22. The Jews bitterly detested the fact they are under the domination of Rome and had to
submit to their rule. They didn’t like it, but felt powerless to resist. So, they posed a question to Jesus
whom they despised even more than Rome. “Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to
Caesar, or not?” v.17. They felt that either way Jesus answered it He would be in trouble. He will either seem
to be an insurrectionist against Rome or will be seen by the oppressed Jews to be a Roman
sympathizer.
Jesus took a coin with Caesar’s
inscription and pointed out to the people that while they were subject to Rome they were also subject to God.
So, they were to render the taxes that were due Rome regardless of how they used the money. Paul, later in
Rom.13:1-7, teaches Christians (then and now) they must respect and be obedient to whatever government they are
under, and pay taxes even if it is used to persecute them. In fact he later tells Timothy (and us also) to pray
for those in position of leadership regardless of who they are, or how they act 1.Tim.2:1-2. Even if we don’t
agree with how the government acts we show our respect for God by being good citizens in our earthly country.
We conduct ourselves as Christians on earth so we can show ourselves to also be good citizens of the heavenly
kingdom. Remember, we are Christians whether the people around us are or not.
From Buckhorn (MS) Teacher,
Tommy Thornhill, Editor
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© Copyright 2008, Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.. All rights reserved.
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