“And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.” Luke 20:25

Today’s the day! Our federal tax returns are due!

I remember the very first time I filed an income tax return. The simple form was more than adequate for the meager earnings from my first part-time job. Yet, there was something exciting about the process. I felt very grown-up; I had entered the adult world of earnings and taxes. I was no longer a child.

But how about the second half of the verse, “Render unto God the things which be God’s”. I wish I could recall just exactly when that hit home for me. I can’t.

Perhaps it was on my Confirmation Day, when I made public profession of my faith and promised to continue in the covenant God made with me in baptism. Perhaps.

Perhaps it came later when I stood before a new congregation and promised to use my God-given gifts in the teaching of the children of their school. Perhaps.

Perhaps it was impressed upon my heart and soul when I spoke my marriage vows, or brought my children forward for their baptisms. Perhaps.

And just perhaps it happened not only on those days, but each and every day. When I awake, there’s that moment of thankfulness for the privilege of another new day, and a petition for God’s help in using this day as He would want.

God looks for us to account for ourselves each day, each hour, each moment. We are His. Everything we have, every talent, every strength – it’s all His. And it’s ours to give back to Him, in joyful service. We’ve grown and matured in our faith, and yet we come each day as a child – His child. What a privilege!

“What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
     Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
     Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!
          Leaning, leaning,
          Safe and secure from all alarms;
          Leaning, leaning,
          Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” *

*Lyrics by Elisha Albright Hoffmann 1839-1929, Music by Anthony Johnson Showalter 1858-1924

Come to Him today, for He loves you unconditionally.

Judy