Giving to God and to Man
READ: Matthew 22:15-22
Tax time comes around every year, and Sarah had always wondered what it was all about. She didn't understand why her parents had to give money to the government every year. Sarah asked her mom and she said it was just like giving to the church. Sarah still didn't understand this whole thing about giving money away. So, her mom explained more. "When tax season comes up, we pay to the government what we owe them, and in church we give money to help the church. God gave us money so we can live; it isn't our money, it is God's money. And when we get our checks from our job, a percent goes back to the government so they can help make things better around here. So, that is their money we owe them."
Sarah got the idea and responded, "I see, so give them what is theirs."
God said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." Susie learned about giving offerings and paying taxes to the government from her mom. She, like many of us, doesn't like to give money. We should learn not to be so greedy. God gave all this to us for no cost. We should give back by putting some money into the offering basket. It is the least we can do for all the good He has shown us. Our offerings also help our church to comfort the grieving, rebuke sinners, and inspire saints to service. What a great way to use money!
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How does this passage apply to us today? How is the money God's money? How is the money the government's money?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Pray for people not to be so selfish. Thank God for the biggest payment we could ever have—forgiveness for our sins. Ask for God's help to be a better giver.