ACKNOWLEDGING GOD IS IN CONTROL (NOT CAESAR OR ME)
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” Matthew 22:21, ESV
Theme: It’s easy to get confused about what we need to control and what we don’t. Either way, God wants us to treat our leaders with respect.
CAESAR’S
Jesus could have claimed a right to control everything, but He didn’t. In fact, in the interaction captured by today’s Scripture, Jesus relinquishes the control of His right to be taxed by the governing authority by saying, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Indicating that money and paying some coins to the authorities in required taxes was not something He had to upset or set straight. Jesus ceded authority to Caesar. Scholars debate this verse and conclude different things from it. Certainly, there were religious leaders trying to trap Jesus into self-incrimination by getting Him to oppose the government. And yet, Jesus was not afraid to anger the religious leaders in other situations. We believe all created things are under God’s authority, and yet God allows a temporary hierarchy. He allows choices with temporary consequences. In eternal things, He commands ultimate authority.
WHAT I NEED TO CONTROL
One of the most difficult things to control is one that I am without a doubt called to manage – myself. Self-control is identified in Galatians 5:23 as one of the fruits of the Spirit. When I am confused about what I need to control, self is a good, clear start. Yet controlling myself is often out of reach. That is one reason I turn to God for help. I am called to self-control, but I often fail to exercise it. Remembering that I have turned myself over to God, I ask Him to intervene. When I am tempted to control others, it helps to remember that I am called first to self-control. Focusing on my own actions has proven to be helpful in changing outcomes. God is faithful to help me when my efforts are in controlling my own actions. He is faithful to answer my calls for help.
THE THINGS THAT ARE GOD’S
It isn’t that God wants us to mind our own business and keep our heads down. Instead, He wants us to remember what is His. Our leaders are subject to God’s control even when it appears they are not. When we choose to respect them and pray for them, it doesn’t mean that we automatically agree with all their decisions or approve of their actions. It doesn’t even mean we have to vote for them. “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed,” (Romans 13:7, ESV). All people created in God’s image deserve to be treated with dignity. It is not our place to dehumanize anyone – not a candidate, a whole race, an immigrant, a wealthy person, or a poor person. That means your treatment of both candidates, your description of them, your kindness to those who support them, and your allegiance to God before them will reflect your trust in God’s ultimate authority. The final say belongs to God.
Make It Personal: What do you want to control in this season? How can controlling our own impulses honor God in this season? In what way does taking matters into our own hands indicate a lack of faith in God’s power? How can you offer respect to someone you don’t like or agree with?
Pray: Dear God, I’m so thankful that You have everything under Your power and control. Help me to behave like I believe that. Help me to focus on self-control and the other fruits of the Spirit rather than trying to influence and change others. Help me to see clearly what You’re calling me to today. Help me to remain focused on Your truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Galatians 5:22-23; Proverbs 25:28; Romans 13:1-7
Weekly Memory Verse: “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” I Peter 2:17, ESV