“Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and
unto God the things that are God’s.”
These familiar words from Jesus were first spoken in
response to a question about paying taxes. But they seem
a good reminder to keep us grounded in the month of
October. Though it may be hard to imagine, October is
set to be marked by even more political advertising and reporting than we
have yet seen, all leading to election day.
And this is where Jesus’ comment regarding what is Caesar’s and what is
God’s can help us. We can consider our resources (finances, time, energy,
effort) and how we might appropriately render unto Caesar and God that
which belongs to each. We might also consider how our political
engagement fits in – up to and including our votes.
However, as we consider our faith, we do not need to render it to the
coming election, no matter how many commercials, billboards, yard signs,
and bumper stickers might try to convince us otherwise.
That is not to say that the coming election is not important. It is. And we
should give it its due. Yet, no candidate on the ballot is our God. And this I
think is the point of how Jesus responded to those asking about taxes.
Yes, taxes and elections are important. Give them the attention and energy
they deserve. They are also not all that is important. In the month ahead,
let’s be mindful of our attention, our time, our energy, and our resources.
Let’s try to ensure that in all these things, and in all the others, we render
unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and render unto God the things that
are God’s.