There is a teaching Jesus gives us that you should give the government what belongs to the government and to God what belongs to God. There is seemingly, in Jesus mind, a separation between the two. We are able to be good and law-abiding citizens while also not compromising our faithful pursuit of God.

It has become so difficult to see that separation today because we have completely combined government policy with our relationship with God. So much so, in fact, that to many government has become the religion in which we participate. Our government leaders and the party are the gods we serve. And we are willing to violently put down the other side if it means our team wins.

I think Jesus was able to say “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar” was because he knew that Caesar actually held only a little power. Similarly, governments of today actually hold very little power. You may balk at this, but let me explain.

For the Christian who believes in God, what can government take from you?

Government could take your money, but the Christian is not a lover of money. God does not need our money, as he owns the cows on every hill. All the riches of the cosmos belongs to him, and he can move on Earth without money. We as Christians trust in money and its ability to influence too much and too little on the Spirit.

Government can throw you in jail, but there is a long history of Christians celebrating the honor of suffering for Christ. In Christ, we have the ability to see the bigger picture, and the discomfort of a prison cell is nothing to the eternal joys of a life with Christ.

Worst cast scenario the Government can take your life. But we have already died to self and have begun our eternal journey with Christ. To die is gain.

We could go through every scenario and, for the believer, there is nothing the government can do to make my life miserable or steal the eternal purposes I have found in Christ.

My money is not my own. My house and cars are not my own. My job is for the glory of God. My family and their well-being are not in my hands but the Lord’s. My life is dependent breath by breath on God to sustain me.

The government has power only over the things of this world, which I have died to. What could government do to me? Not a thing. Christ has made me, and every believer, untouchable.

That is not to say they do not hold influence over my day-to-day existence. But my eyes are transfixed on an eternal home, not this tent where I currently live. My allegiance, ultimately, is not to a government but to God. Governments come and go, but the Kingdom that has been planted in my heart is forever.

Stop falling prey to the distractions of government. Pay your taxes and follow the laws. But be minister of reconciliation. The Good News is not America or democracy or socialism. The Christian heralds a different kind of message.

Power resides not in government but in the people. You have the power to change someone’s world today, more than any government ever could. Stop giving your power to governments.

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