A BALANCED LIFE OF GIVING

Christians are considered citizens of another kingdom, kids of another family and residents of another world or realm - all while living in this one. There is an amazing balance act required by the Follower of Christ when he/she accepts Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. 

You have heard the expression - The Believer has to be in the world but not of the world. This truth tells of the requirement met for living out the Christian life (not being of the world) while meeting the condition for living in a temporary place (having to dwell for the time being in the world).

In Matthew 22:15-22, Jesus is approached by Pharisees with an entrapping question - "Is it right to pay the Imperial Tax to Caesar or not?" The Imperial Tax was a special tax levied on subject peoples and not the Roman citizens. Referring to the coin used for payment in those days, Jesus answered, "Whose image is this? And whose inscription?" The Pharisees replied, "Caesar's." Jesus responded, "So, give back to Casesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

Notice that the Pharisees only asked about what is owed to Caesar. They got a bonus answer when Christ included God in the picture - "give back to God what is God's".

This is part of a delicate balancing act that Christians live out while in this world, but not of it. We adhere to the laws that govern our society and culture, but we should also be following the precepts, instruction and lifestyle example of Jesus Christ. Giving back to the community, county, state or country is logical. But, how do you give back to God?

Even though God owns everything, giving back to Him is a sign of acknowledging that He has entrusted us with His blessing. For us to get in the way and stop the flow of His plan, His favor and His mercies is absurd. We earnestly need His input, His counsel and His guidance since He bestowed the favor to begin with. 

Many, if not most, of the world owe somebody money, goods and/or services - so we work in order to satisfy all those that demand this of us. Christians owe our lives to Christ our Savior. He paid our sin debt, restored our relationship with Father God and secured eternity with Him forever. 

This life is a life of giving out of necessity. However, I also give back to The Lord not only due to the tremendous gift of salvation, but of the awesome favor He blesses me with continually. He allows me to steward His grace upon my life and in turn I give it back.

In this world we are somewhat free to manage our money as long as come tax season we pay our required amount of taxes. In God's kingdom, giving back to God means you continue in His favor as you trust Him with the original design. In this life we are called to live - A Balanced Life Of Giving.