Devotions on F.I.R.E. Year TwoSample

Let Us make man in Our image (Genesis 1:26 NKJV).

What responsibilities do Christians owe to their government and to God?

Let’s start with God. Today's reading sparks debate about the concept of God existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Citing Deuteronomy 6:4 (NKJV), some emphasize, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!” Yet, the Hebrew term "one" implies unity, as seen when Adam and Eve became one flesh. Moses wrote about the Trinity's involvement in creating mankind, saying, “Let us make man in our likeness and our image” (Genesis 1:26 NKJV). Because we are made in God’s image, honoring Him is paramount. This underscores our duty to love the LORD with all our heart, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:5.

In our New Testament reading, the Pharisees and Herodians seek to trap Jesus regarding paying Rome taxes. Jesus’s response, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17 NKJV), highlights honoring both earthly authorities and God. Just as taxes and honor are paid to Caesar, whose image is on Roman coins, we are likewise obliged to love and honor God, whose image we bear.

Employment Point: Give the government its due and God, who created you.