Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him. (NIV)
As we near the end of the election season, many will be glad that it is over. From the national to the local level, many contests have been more contentious than any before. What is a Christian to do in the midst of such high stakes animosity?
One thing we must do is play our proper role as citizens. Jesus made it very clear in the verse for today. When it comes to taxes, voting, and other activities that support the structure of our society, we must do our duty. Yet we must always do that and every other duty from the position of those whose allegiance lies to another kingdom and another King. We must, even as we do our civic duty, give to God what belongs to Him.
What is it that God requires? The answer is simple. He requires complete surrender and submission to His will. A Christian must always vote not on what will give him a better life, but on what is consistent with the will of God. Nothing else should shape our political behavior. Nothing else should shape our lives.
Father, give us wisdom as we prepare to vote for the leaders of our land. What do you want us to see? What do we need to know to make decisions that will be pleasing to You? In matters of our government as in the rest of our lives, we pray that Your will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. In the name of our only Lord, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 by Steven R. Perkins
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