That’s why you pay taxes, because officials are God’s servants, devoting their entire time to governing. Give everyone what you have to give. If you owe tax, pay the tax; If revenue, then revenue; If you respect, then respect; If there is respect then there is respect.
Ouch! tax Day. Not my favorite day, how about you? But where would we be without government, system and law? Anarchy! Rebellion! Iniquity! The dog-eat-dog days when everyone is just “in it” for themselves! Although we may not always like how the system works, we need to learn from God how He wants us to live in community with flawed people. Paul is not naive. He knows that he is likely to be imprisoned and martyred by the Roman government. Therefore, we can follow Paul’s example as we seek salvation in our lives, be obedient in our citizenship, and ask God to bless our nations and bring revival to them. Jesus left us this principle:
“So render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
The Apostle Paul explained and expanded on Jesus’ doctrine in our verse today:
Give everyone what you have to give. If you owe tax, pay the tax; If revenue, then revenue; If you respect, then respect; If there is respect then there is respect.
Now it is up to us to hold on to that principle even in challenging times with the help of the Holy Spirit!
Holy God, I thank you that I am free in you and do not belong to anyone or any power apart from you. Oh Lord, I offer my complete and undivided devotion to you. Because I want your name and your people to be honored, I will obey the laws of my land as long as they are in accordance with your will. I know that it is good for the spread of the gospel of Jesus and the blessing of all people that we live in peace in our world (Romans 12:18), so, beloved GodI pray for peace. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
