A Call to Civil Responsibility

“Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?’ But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, ‘Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.’ And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then He said to them, ‘Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.’ And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away.” Matthew 22:15-22

It was Edmund Burke, an eighteenth-century British statesman, who said so profoundly, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Today there is no lack of Christian alarm against the encroaching tides of immorality - but public outcry alone will not effect lasting change. The Scriptures list several steps the Christian can take to advance moral reformation.

First, we are to participate in the political process by rendering, “to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Matt. 22:21). That not only refers to obligations such as taxes but to responsibilities such as voting. It is no use to bemoan the state of the nation if we fail to exercise this privilege.

Second, we are to pray for our leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-2). How quick we are to condemn those with whom we disagree, and how careless we are not to pray for them. Our prayers bring the supernatural will and power and God into the process. “...He removes kings and establishes kings...” (Dan. 2:21).       

Third, we are to become personally involved in giving feet and hands to the voice of conscience. Daniel wrote, “...the people who know their God will display strength and take action” (Dan. 11:32).

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

Pause - and thank God for your freedom!