Devotion
The only thing you owe others is love
David Jacobs
Although devotion to God's moral law comes first, this passage in Romans highlights the importance of staying obedient to the law. Considering the time it was written, it can be a bit puzzling why Paul says these things. Why would a Christian who has been persecuted and killed by the Roman government also pledge allegiance and pay taxes to Caesar? They would be paying for the people that are attacking them! In context, it might sound strange, but the definition today may perhaps be broadened.
First, it is important to realize that God "removes kings and sets up kings" (Daniel 2:21). There may be an unjust government in place, but God put them in power for a reason, one that you may never understand. In Mark 12:14-17, Jesus is asked whether followers should give money to Caesar to which he replies: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Paul writes this to reinforce what Jesus had taught.
In modern times, charity, volunteer or missionary work and donations could perhaps all be considered latter-day tributes. The only debt that you owe another man is love. It is our civic responsibility to pay monetary taxes and help to take care of our fellow humans, but it is another thing entirely to pay back society with the greatest gift of all: love.
Prayer
Wonderful Jesus, I marvel at your strength and selflessness! Lord Jesus, it is not easy for me to forgive some of the sins that other men or governments have committed. You did, dear Jesus, and I beg that you grant me a fraction of your forgiving nature. With it I intend to pay a tax of love with all of my thoughts and deeds. This tariff will continue to be paid forward, as your love has continued to be paid for all of eternity. I pray this in your name, Jesus. Amen.
Devotion
Pray for Leaders
Frances Taylor
How often do you or I pray for government leaders? Paul doesn't say to pray just for the leaders we like, either. If we do want a tranquil and quiet life, we need all leaders to turn to God and work for justice for all their citizens. It's probably even more important to pray and intercede for those leaders who work against justice, than for those who are already doing the right thing. For those who are already on God's side, we should give thanks to God that they stay in leadership and continue to do God's will. The same goes for city, state, and even church leaders as well as our national and international leaders. Good leaders should be supported and others need to be held to account for their behavior. Obviously different countries have different forms of leadership, but that shouldn't stop us from praying for them. God does listen even if the answer doesn't come as quickly as we might like. In the case of democracies, we sometimes need a bad ...
Morning Prayer
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Inspiration
We cannot allow ourselves envy, for it corrodes not only our relationships with others but also the things we already have. The end result is that we neglect to value and appreciate things already in our possession, and thus in turn, being ungrateful to the Lord himself for what he has provided. Rather, our energy would be better placed to focus on giving thanks to the Lord and his gifts, here and now.
Prayer
To my Lord above, my Creator and Heavenly Father, by your grace do I come to thank you for all I have. Teach me not to covet others and their lot, but grant me instead the ability to Love and see the blessings you have already bestowed upon me. In return for your grace, I thus offer up to you my humblest of gifts, my Lord -my heart in obedience, is yours. Amen.
