The controversy regarding the proper relationship between God and government raised it's head again recently.  Something someone in politics quoted from the Bible.  I don't remember the details, only that it was out of context.  Then I read about the pharisees trying to trap Jesus, asking if they should pay taxes.  Jesus's responded, "Bring me a coin.  Whose image is on it, and whose inscription?  Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." 

Usually, the lesson is to pay your taxes and be respectful to those in authority over you.  But a couple of years ago it dawned on me,   If I am to give the government it's due, what is due God?  We have images of important people on our money.  Some presidents, others who have been involved in the foundation of our nation.  The government guarantees that the money is worth something.  There are inscriptions on our bills and coins.  In God We Trust tells what we as a nation value.  That money is not what makes us prosperous.  E pluribus unem describes the kind of nation we are.  One nation formed out of many people.  These are important values in our nations character. 

So what is God's?  Well, what bears His image?  We do.  Created in His image, we are what is due God.  Everything I am belongs to Him, and Him alone.  He alone has the right to command not only my allegiance, but my complete obedience.  And whose inscription is on my heart?  God's law.  The law handed down to Moses is not merely a list of do's and don't's, it's a description of God's character, and how He wants us to reflect His image. 

So, this tax season, as we render to Uncle Sam what is due him, I'll remember what is due to our Lord.  That His image is in me and I belong to Him.  That His law is written on my heart, a reflection of His character to the world.  May He enable me to be an effective channel of His grace in this worl