"And Jesus answered and said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.' And they marveled at Him." - Mark 12:17
Tonight in our singles' Bible study, we watched a portion of a message given by Andy Stanley called, "Playing God." Throughout this study, Pastor Stanley has been talking about the power that we have from God and how we use it. Tonight's message focused on how we have a tendency to hold on to that power so tightly that we sometimes push God away in an attempt to keep what He has given us. There were several points that stuck with me. One is that whatever power, privilege, or gift we have, we can and will lose at some point. A second point is that all these things come from God in the first place. It is absolutely absurd to cling to something and try to keep it from God when it was He who first gave it. Sadly, I can think of specific times in my life when I have done just that. Sometimes I recognize the problem and repent. However, there have also been times when I was so stubborn about letting go, that God literally had to pull it away from me. Why do we do that? Realistically, the biggest problem is not trusting God enough to know that He will do what is best for us. He knows better than I do. So then why do I argue and fight Him? Everything I have - every talent, every met need, every relationship - is a gift. I have no right to call these things my own. God has the right to give and take away according to His perfect will. So when I feel God asking me to give something up, I might as well give to God what is already His anyways.
Jesus' response in the verse above was an answer to the Pharisees' question as to the legality of paying taxes. They were trying to entrap Him, but His answer caused them to marvel. May I continue to marvel at the teachings of Jesus. The above Scripture is also a gentle reminder that it is time for me to pay my taxes. :)
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