We read in Luke 20:25 NKJV, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” This passage teaches us that there are things that rightfully belong to the governing authorities and things that only belong to God. Let us briefly consider from our Bibles what God has said belongs to Caesar and to Him.

In the New Testament, God revealed several things Christians must render to their government. Peter writes that we need to “show the proper respect” to our governing authorities (1 Pet. 2:17 NIV). We read in Romans 13:1-2 that Christians need to be in submission to our government. Later on in the same chapter, we have a reminder that we also need to pay our taxes (Rom. 13:7).  Paul also instructs us that we should be praying on behalf of our government so we may live a godly and peaceful life (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

However, some things only belong to God, and we need to ensure that we give Him those things. God instructs us that our highest allegiance needs to be given to Him (Acts 4:19-20). We need to be revering God more than anything else in our lives (1 Pet. 2:17), and part of reverence for God is giving Him the worship that is rightfully due Him (Matt. 4:10). Finally, we need to be giving ourselves entirely over to God for his service (Rom. 12:1-2).

Let us ensure we are giving to each what is due them and paying particular attention to giving to God what is rightfully His.