“Caesar is calling for what is his, and I must oblige him.”
15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" 21 "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
Matthew 22:15-21 -NIV
Unlike Brutus, I must not defy, and thus “render unto Caesar that which is Caesars.” Many things were running through my head as I was preparing our taxes last night. One of which was just how funny it was that the same politicians that would call us “criminal” and “thieves” who would “steal from his fellow citizen in cheating on our taxes” (Tom Daschele) would FORGET TO PAY THEIR OWN STINKING TAXES! Thank you Tom for your lecture in morals while denying the ethics and oath you once took. While Mr. Daschele and Mr. Geithner (New Treasury Secretary) either“forgot” or made “mistakes” in not paying their fair share of taxes (after nominated they paid them), as believers we are challenged by our Savior to pay ALL that is due our government (Caesar).
What is so amazing is just how easy it is to simply forget A MONTHS SALARY, or $180,000 in car services. Or, how about being told you messed up twice by your accountant and NOT pay the back-taxes you owe (or partially pay them.) But, the truth of the matter is paying taxes is not a walk in the park, but rather a challenge to your integrity! Yep, with Turbo-Tax or Tax-Cut you just follow the directions and fill in the fields. No forms to hand write, or tax preparer to look in the face and lie to… nope, just you and that little white field to fill in with a “number.” Ok, it’s just a number right? And certainly there are deductions I have missed and miles that went uncounted, times I just tossed cash in the offering plate, so why not just add a few “numbers” or stretch the ones I already have? After all, if some of the President’s cabinet people who are going to be guiding this country for the next four years can make "mistakes” (a hum,) then why can’t I do the same and come out seemingly the better for it? And hey, if I’m caught, I’ll just point out that “these are troubled times,” and “how badly my skills are needed” and that “you just can’t do without my contribution” (tongue-in-cheek.)
No, those “little fields” I fill in ask for; “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God”! Partial truth is no truth at all, even when no one is watching but you and God, and only your (electronic) people know for sure. Yes, "I've got people," but Christ is calling me to integrity and...
“Caesar is calling for what is his, and will YOU oblige him.”
From The Journey’s View;
Pastor T
