“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

— Matthew 22:21

Do you ever wonder how much you should involve yourself in political matters? At this time of year, this issue is particularly pertinent. So today I want to address the Christian’s obligation as a citizen.

Jesus declared, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” In this comment, Jesus identifies two spheres in which we must render our due responsibilities: the spiritual and eternal realm of the kingdom of God, and the kingdom of this world where we must render the things due to Caesar. For a long time, some quarters of the Church have held to a false piety that has resulted in refraining from all political involvement. As Christians have avoided the political realm, unbelievers have taken over the various spheres of influence in our society, such as education, the courts, and the legislatures. Thus, by abandoning the public spheres, Christians have effectively removed salt and light from our culture.

Although many Christians have recently involved themselves in the public sphere, we still have much ground to regain. And we still must confront a wrong attitude some Christians hold toward citizenship. A lady who works in one of our voting precincts said that the average voter turnout in her precinct is ten percent. I’m sure that quite a few Christians make up that ninety percent who don’t vote. I believe it’s a sin not to vote; voting is one way we can make a difference in our society, and we need to use it.

I encourage you to practice good Christian citizenship. Use the opportunities that come your way to make a difference in your town or city, in your state, and in your country. Be active as a citizen, rendering to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and do so in the name of the Lord.

“He who converts his neighbour has performed
the most practical Christian-political act of all.”
C.S. Lewis