"Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Luke 20:25)

Previously we considered whether taking care of the poor (social programs) and teaching our children (re-education) was rendered to Caesar. According to Scripture the answer is no. There are certainly other things Caesar has "borrowed" we did not discuss in this forum. The subject this time is taxes, and finally, an entity that has been rendered to Caesar.

In the 13th chapter of Romans the Apostle Paul concludes his Spirit inspired treatise on Caesar's proper role with this instruction: "Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor." (vs.7) And of course, Jesus' famous retort to those who held up the coin and asked who it belonged to affirm Caesar has been given the right to tax by God. Even so, taxes due are to only be used for what God has ordained Caesar to do.

Do you know what day April 23, 2008 is? It's "Tax Freedom Day." On average that is when you start laboring for yourself. Up until then every cent you earned went into Caesar's wasteful coffers. *That is about 31% of your income; more than the combination of all the food, clothing and housing you will spend in 2008. *(The Tax Foundation)

Under the Old Covenant God required Israel to give Him the first tenth (10%) of their bounty plus special offerings for religious festivals and to help the poor. (Lev 27:30-33; Num 18:8-28; Deut 12:6-17; Deut 14:28,29) The New Covenant principle is all of our time, talent and treasure is to be put at His disposal - that we be vessels for honor. (II Tim 2:14-21)

Caesar consumes 31%, is trillions of dollars in debt and always wants more. Meanwhile in the USA, the average household's charitable giving in 2000 was about 1.5%. What's wrong with this picture?! What's wrong is far too many professing Christians have joined our liberal and secular citizens who worship Caesar. What's wrong is far too many professing Christians have abdicated their God-given responsibilities and duties to the Caesar's who are all to willing to sit upon thrones never intended for them.

How very far we are from the Biblical mandate of taxes due are only to be used for what God has ordained Caesar to do.

Next time - The conclusion: Caesar's proper role.