7th September

Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour. Romans 13, 7

Show proper respect to everyone: love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honour the king. 1 Peter 2, 17

Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's

The Lord is filled with godly wisdom. He lets them bring a coin of money to him which represents Caesar. He asks them: "Who does this picture and inscription represent?" They answer: "Caesar". He answers: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's!"

This is the attitude God demands from them who acknowledge Jesus as their master and guide whatever the era, the country or the political regime.

They don't have to discuss about the validity of the authorities which govern the country where they live; they are nationals of the kingdom of heaven. However, their important function is to be honest, merciful and to devote themselves to the others who characterized Christ. They are subject to the authorities like good citizens (Romans 13, 1). However, at the same time they have to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to give to God what is God's. Their obedience to the authorities has the limits in God's rights. On the pretext of being obedient to men they know that they cannot handle against the Lord's will. Without the Lord's will no Caesar would have his power.