Hi bunnies
Some Sundays back, in church, we had an interactive session from Matthew 22 verse 15 where the Pharisees were trying to cage Jesus and challenged him with the question about payment of taxes, and we looked at Jesus’ epic response “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s”
We brought forth the different interpretations that have been given to what Jesus said, including those that said, “What Jesus meant was As a christian, you can serve God and still pay allegiance to ‘gods’ performing sacrifices and all”
We immediately refuted and corrected that interpretation. That is paying allegiance to Satan! So for the benefit of those that believe it’s totally ok to seek God on Sunday and “consult” other means behind the curtains. That is wrong! Matthew 6:24/Luke 16:13
We were now made to understand that Jesus Christ was only telling them to give the necessary dues to constituted authorities and at the same time, give honor to God.
Pay your tithe and pay your tax!
That was my muse for this post.
It only got me thinking, Jesus was talking about dual citizenship!
I’ve been saved so I’m a citizen of Heaven and a citizen Nigeria.
A person with dual citizenship is entitled to the rights of both nations and at the same time is obliged to obey the rules of both countries.
So as a Nigerian, I get to enjoy the rights of every Nigerian
And as a citizen of the kingdom, I get to enjoy and draw from everything made available in the kingdom.
I obey kingdom rules, At the same time, I obey the rules and regulations of my country Nigerian.
I live the life of God which assures me eternal life and I apply the principles of Jesus which guarantees success here on earth.
Now the only time a problem will arise is when obeying Nigeria means disobeying the rules of the kingdom.
You see when you have 2 things, you enjoy both but when it gets to a point where one has to go, you go for the one that is more important.
Priorities.
So as a Nigerian, Payment of taxes, obeying simple rules and regulations set by constituted authorities, giving honor to secular leaders (believers or not) and other things expected of me, I do.
Not doing them, will not speak well of me as a Christian. The only time I’m allowed to be defiant is when they’re going to make me compromise.
I only become a “rebel” when my convictions are being thwarted because I have the understand that
I am living as a citizen of heaven here on earth
I am a first a citizen of heaven before a citizen of Nigeria but that does not permit me to be disobedient to authorities in my country.
At the end of the lesson I was able to make my own little resolution to obey God and my leaders.
To be loyal as a citizen of heaven and a citizen of Nigeria and exploit both privileges.
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
