Lk 20:25     He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

              

When Jesus responded like this to those who were trying to trap him (by wanting him to either deny paying taxes to Caesar, and thus get in trouble with the authorities, or deny paying tithe to God, and be seen to be ungodly), he was basically bringing a balance in life that said, it's not one or the other, but both.

 

The Christian is called first into relationship with God and as an expression of that love we will do a variety of things in respect of God. Note that this is bigger than just money. In respect of God we may read his word to learn of Him, worship Him, speak to Him in prayer, tell others of Him and yes, even give to support church ministry.

 

In respect of the world we are to be model citizens, and so we pay our taxes and we conform to the law of the land in as far as it doesn't make us do anything contrary to God's law. But more than simply complying with the law of the land, we will give into our communities for we are called to be salt and light (Mt 5:13 -16) and that means we are to be part of the world in which we live and to have a transforming effect upon it. Jeremiah laid down the principle, “seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jer 29:7). Not God or the world, but both, for this is God's world and as we love Him we will love it,