THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE MATTER of appointing church representatives to government boards has caused quite a stir, and has rekindled the age-long debate about the appropriate relationship between church and state, and religion and politics.
While there are persons who are totally against the church playing any significant role in charting a way forward as a nation, there are those who are very excited and preparing themselves to serve in the proposed capacity of church representatives.
In Matthew 22: 15, Jesus was faced with the question of His response to the issue of church and state relationship.
DEEPER ISSUE
The question was asked about whether or not taxes should be paid to Caesar. The context in which it was asked suggests that the issue was deeper than this.
Jesus was in effect being asked if the Jews, who pledged allegiance to the one and true God, should be participating in the activities of the government of the day.
We should find Jesus' response instructive. Jesus intimated that the government should be respected and that there was nothing intrinsically wrong with participating in the activities of the government.
This position is supported by verses from 1 Peter 2 and Romans 13. Jesus did not stop there, however, but expanded His response by stating that what is due to God should also be given to God.
Sometimes as Christians we get excited about the things of 'Caesar' while paying scant regard for the things of God.
We need to ask ourselves some probing questions. Are we early for our secular jobs while always late for church activities?
Do we take more time to prepare for secular duties (such as lesson plans) than we do for church-related activities (for example, teaching Sunday/Sabbath School)?
Do we pay attention to our communication skills when we are in front of the camera, but not when we are delivering the word of God to our local congregations?
Are we willing to spend long hours at government board meetings, while being comfortable cutting our church board meetings short?
RENDER TO GOD
I am not suggesting that my colleagues should not get excited about the prospects of making a positive difference through what may be seen as a window of opportunity, but, since we are all limited in both our time and resources, we need to be careful that, even as we render to 'Caesar' what is due, we render to God what is due Him.
I am, etc.,
GARY GARDINER (Rev.)
garyogardiner@yahoo.com
Vineyard Town
Via Go-Jamaica
