‘…and unto God the things that are God’s.’

Matthew 22:21
'Then saith He unto them, ‘Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.'

To anyone who will listen…

These words of Christ Jesus are primarily a rebuttal to the Pharisee’s beguiling question about taxes and the philosophy in which Jesus held concerning the topic.

Inasmuch as this interaction involves the discussion of money, there is something to be said about how Christ’s response highlights another important value in the Kingdom of God - the spiritual law of firsts.

Since God is the beginning of all things - the first, the original, the progenitor, etc - it is of utmost importance that we give God our first in all things. After all, the first of anything generally sets the tone for all things which succeed it.

Many of us (followers of Christ, that is) are Levitically Faithful when it pertains to tithing, or giving God the first & best of our financial resources. Howbeit, money is not the only valuable resource we possess on this earth. Of course it is important with regards to our existential livelihood in this earthly world, however other resources like time, possessions, and gifts & talents can prove to be just as valuable as it pertains to godly sowing.

Furthermore, modern day pastoral teachings tend to idolize the principle of tithing and the importance of giving God the first (best) of your money for the sake of the gospel of prosperity. But what if we viewed our time, possessions, gifts, talents & other non-financial resources as equally as valuable? What if we laid aside our selfish ambitions for one moment - one out of every ten times - just to offer God the best of our ‘other’ resources. Should not we expect Him to prosper our beings in those areas as well?

In part, this excerpt is an ode to the concept of ‘[rendering] unto God the things that are God’s]. It is also a challenge to those who are reading this. I wholeheartedly expect the Lord to bless my written forms of communication, which is why I have dedicated this premier post to such a godly topic.

Therefore, I charge you to do the same. Examine your own lives and determine where you may have the opportunities to dedicate any ‘first’ to God. And as you intentionally honor God in this way, watch how He honors you in more ways than you could ever imagine.

Peace & Joy,

Joshua