Inconvenient Obedience

Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” - Matthew 22:21

On this day after tax day, we can ask, “Is it right to pay taxes?” The Pharisees meant it to be a trick question. Answer one way, and Jesus would be accused of disobeying God. Answer another way, and Jesus would be accused of treason against Rome. His enemies thought they had the perfect trap.

Jesus revealed their foolishness. At the same time, He provided a lasting lesson. In a few simple words Jesus acknowledged God’s complete authority, as well as the authority He gave the government. Jesus also stripped away the mask of their convenient obedience and revealed their complete denial of any part of God’s authority over them.

It is a good lesson for us. By nature we like the concept of convenient obedience.

We feel it is in our best interest to seek another opinion more in keeping with our own. Interestingly enough, this attitude starts as a child. My four-year-old has it figured out. If Mom says “No” to candy, then she goes to find Dad to see if he will give in to her sad face and blue eyes.

Nothing really changes with time. As we get older we still look out for our best interests. We pit one authority figure against the other. If the government adds a law that we don’t like, then we just ignore it. If our church has a biblical doctrine we don’t agree with, then we go find another church that fits with our line of thinking. If following the Lord’s will becomes too restrictive, then we quickly search for something more agreeable.

How foolish we are. God has placed Himself over us. He has placed His representatives like the government, parents, pastors, teachers, etc. over us. They are there for our good. They deserve our obedience, even when it becomes inconvenient in our way of thinking.

We need to allow the Holy Spirit to change how we think and how we act. Instead of looking for exceptions, we need to see opportunities to obey God’s rules. Instead of pursuing what is convenient, we need to do what brings glory to God. Instead of claiming our own right to choose, we need to trust God’s wisdom and power to control.

This change can only be accomplished through our Savior. His obedience gives us the ability to be obedient. His wisdom gives us the knowledge to know what is good and right. His love offers us the strength to do what is commanded.

Do we like to pay taxes? I don’t know anybody who enjoys paying taxes. Yet we give honor and glory to God when we give to God what is God’s and to the government what is the government’s. (Now, we may disagree with the amount the government demands that we pay in taxes, but that is another subject for another day. We may disagree, and rightly so, but until there are changes made in leaders and laws, then we are obligated by our Christian duty to obey.)

With just a few words Jesus changes our entire view of life and authority, and our willingness to obey. How blessed we are to know how much our Savior cares for us. How loved we are to witness His control over our lives. How precious we are to see His faithfulness to every facet of our well-being.

We obey the Lord and His representatives – even when it is inconvenient to obey.