Render Unto Caesar

“Jesus 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 (ESV)

As this post goes live, it will be election day here in the US.

Thank. Goodness.

The last election cycle has been draining my sanity like someone wants to make syrup out of it. As person who doesn’t identify as strong liberal OR conservative, I’ve often logged into one of my social media feeds and felt like I’ve stepped into a war, and I have friends on both sides of the battle lines. Nothing stirs Americans up like an election cycle, and I’ve witnessed a fair amount of flaming, blocking, and deleting of people from friends lists over the last few months.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” -Matthew 5:9 (ESV)

As a Christian, that makes me sad, because while there’s certainly some wisdom in paying attention to politics, caring about them, praying about them, and participating in the democratic process if it’s available to us, what we as Christians are supposed to do doesn’t change regardless of how the election turns out. The standing orders for the body of Christ are the same in places where the church is culturally dominant and places where it’s been forced underground by persecution, in places of great prosperity and in places of crushing poverty.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” -Micah 6:8 (ESV)

It is fine to differ, and debate, and even argue. It’s fine to be concerned or even horrified by what goes on in the political sphere. But at the end of the day, even if we consider someone our enemy, we have to love them anyway. We might as well stop before it goes that far.

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” -Romans 12:18 (ESV)

So by all means –  render your vote unto Caesar. I certainly intend to. Just don’t forget the rest.

Regardless of who wins, there will be injustice in the world, so:
Regardless of who wins, act with justice and fairness.

Regardless of who wins, there will be poverty, so:
Regardless of who wins, help the less fortunate.

Regardless of who wins, there will be suffering so:
Regardless of who wins, be kind to the hurting.

Regardless of who wins, bitterness and vengeance will tempt the human heart, so:
Regardless of who wins, forgive and work toward peace.

And remember:
Regardless of who wins, remember that God is ultimately in charge of it all.

Remember, take hope, and follow the best example we will ever and could ever have: Jesus. We have a lot to do regardless of what happens in the political sphere.