Render unto Caesar ...

The people marveled at Jesus' answer to the question about the lawfulness of paying the poll tax: "Then render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21)

Paul tells us that we are to be in subjection to the governing authority "for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil." (Romans 13:4) Paul lived during the reign of Roman Emperor Nero (A.D. 54-68), and his letter to the Romans is believed by many to have been written around A.D. 55-56 during his third missionary journey.

It is difficult for many of us to honor our current government given some of its actions. (And I am speaking of members of both parties.) If Paul wrote about being in subjection to the governing authority during the reign of the infamous Nero, how can we think that our circumstance is so bad that we can be excused for not respecting our current government.

My point is not that we should refrain from seeking improvement in our government. God has allowed us the privilege of a form of government that permits our participation in the political process. We should take that blessing seriously and do everything we can to influence our country to honor God and seek after righteousness.

However, we must watch our tongues. We must refrain from disrespect and cheap personal attacks. Our engagement with our political leaders must be full of God's love and His principles - not uncontrolled anger and bitterness. While so-called "righteous indignation" can feel good in the short term, we do nothing to grow the Kingdom in the long run when we are simply in "attack" mode.

Disciples of Christ should be known for their self-control among other things. Let us keep from ruining our witness with angry personal attacks that will bring no one to repentance. Let our conversation demonstrate love from a pure heart.