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
thornhill1@frontiernet.net