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Render As Appropriate

“Render As Appropriate” By Kirk Hunt

 

And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”

They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”

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

Matthew 22: 20–21 NKJV

 

Jesus, the all-powerful King of all kings, did not move to overthrow the Roman Empire.  In fact, the Disciples themselves seem to have been bewildered (Acts 1:6) by Jesus’ “failure” to seize political power.  Instead, through His example and instructions, Jesus commands them and us to render good citizenship and make disciples.

 

The Romans were polytheistic pagans.  The Caesars spent lavishly on the human blood sport of the gladiator games.  Still, Jesus did not seek to directly overthrow the Romans.  Being a good citizen does not mean you condone or (choose to) participate in everything the government does. 

 

Jesus, Peter, John and Paul lived, worked and evangelized under the Roman Caesars.  There were occasional inconveniences (imprisonment, beatings, beheading or crucifixion).  Ultimately the Kingdom of Heaven was established in the earth. 

 

Christians today have the same instructions (Matthew 28: 19–20) as Christians then; make disciples, everywhere.  You may have to render some good citizenship to your “Caesar” but your King (Jesus) still commands. 

 

The Roman Empire eventually ended, but not because Christians worked against their government.  Despite being thrown to the (literal) lions, Christians worked to turn pagans into Christians.  It took blood sweat and tears, but enemies became Gospel brothers and sisters.  Should we not do the same?

 

Think:        Scripture commands me to make disciples and be a good citizen of my government.

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me to be a good citizen, first of Your Kingdom, then of my earthly government.”

 

Copyright © August 2016, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

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Avoid Contrary Souls

“Avoid Contrary Souls” By Kirk Hunt

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.   For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Romans 16: 17–18 NKJV

 

Unleashed in the world are men and women who deliberately cause wounds, separation and needless controversy.  Contrary souls are not always easy to spot.  Contrary souls can be dealt with, once detected.

 

Contrary souls assault others because they can, and the victim cannot (usually) retaliate.  Contrary souls start brawls among others, because they somehow profit from the disturbance.  Contrary souls violate Scripture and take pleasure, or income, from the act.

 

Most groups have one or two souls who are (usually) at the root of controversies and clashes.  In too many churches, extended families, or workplaces a sigh goes up when certain names are spoken.  Everyone knows that bad news is associated with certain souls.

 

They may hide for a season, but sooner or later their contrary nature is exposed.  Once they are out in the open, you can start to minimize the damage and heartache they cause.  Shining Scripture and Godly wisdom on their toxic words and ways will always begin the healing process.

 

You may not be able to evade seeing a contrary soul, but you can avoid giving them room to operate.  You can avoid letting them get away with their selfish and self-serving actions.  The aggravation you avoid may be your own.

 

Think:        Scripture commands me to identify and avoid those who act contrary to Scripture.

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me to first see, then respond to contrary souls, according to Scripture.”

 

 

Copyright © August 2016, Kirk Hunt

 

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

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E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

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