"This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor" (Romans 13:6-7)

As believers we should be above reproach concerning money. We should be faithful and diligent stewards and appropriate it wisely. We should pay our taxes, pay salaries and let no debt remain outstanding. Whether we owe money, respect or honor we should be quick to settle those accounts and render to all men their dues.

The Pharisees asked Jesus something similar in Mark 12. They were trying to trap Jesus and came asking if they should pay taxes to Caesar or not. Jesus knowing their hearts answered them, "Why are you trying to trap me?" he asked. "Bring me a denarius and let me look at it."They brought the coin, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. ( Mark 12:15-17 ). The Bible records the Pharisees marveled at his answer and asked him no more questions.

They were intent on entrapping him in order to accuse him and hand him over to the authorities. But Jesus knew their hypocrisy and called them on it. Luke's account went on to say, "They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent" ( Luke 20:26 ). By his one answer he utterly defeated those trying to accuse him. His answer showed that He upheld the civil authorities that ruled and instructed others to do the same.

In the same way we are to render what is due to others. Paul reminds us that they are God's servants devoting themselves to governing. It is logical that the citizens should pay for and support their service. In the same breath Paul reminds us to always give everyone what you owe them. If it is taxes, pay your taxes. If it is revenue or money, then pay them. If you owe respect then give respect if it is honor then show honor. In doing this you will live above reproach in this world.

"For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience" (Romans 13:3-5)

As believers we are to be a people of principal. Our actions should be the result of a changed heart. We should not abide by the laws of our country merely to escape punishment, but we should live according to our conscience knowing right from wrong and doing what it right.

God instituted civil authorities to protect and govern its citizens. As an entity in position of authority, they also have the power to punish those who disobey the laws of that society. This is necessary to keep peace and order. If the law is broken, then there is fear of punishment because God has granted them the power to execute sentence on the wrongdoer. In the same way, if we live our lives abiding by rules established to protect us, then we will be free from fear of those in authority.

We should live under submission to the authorities of our land not only to be free from fear, but as a matter of principal. God has placed men and women in these positions of authority not only to punish those who do wrong but also to provide good for us. This is their main function, to create laws that benefit and protect us. When we live peaceably abiding by the laws of our land then we will be commended both by mankind and by God.

Because of this principal established by God, it is important for believers to vote wisely when given the opportunity to elect officials who will make our laws. Alot has changed over the last fifty years; the laws of our land reflect the attitudes of its citizens. No longer are we creating laws based on God's word, instead we are moving further and further away from His principals.  Staying proactive in our governmental process will give us a voice to lead and direct our country in the right way. Today, I pray that you live peaceably in our society, commended by both God and mankind. Remember to vote wisely and protect the freedom that proved very costly, amen.