Render Unto Caesar – Idols In Our Lives
In the 12th chapter of Mark, Jesus is asked if it is lawful to pay a tax to Caesar. In response, Jesus utters the following statement “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17). Much ink has been spilled trying to explain the full intent of this statement, but I would like to focus one fact that cannot be denied by a Christian. God’s domain cannot be limited since he is the source and fount of all creation. Jesus is teaching us that in all things we should render our entire being to God. Any obligation we have to Caesar is subordinate to our duty to God.
While this seems simple, trouble can develop when we confuse Caesar and God. The Caesar’s in our lives today may consist of governments, nationality, wealth, political parties, class, and culture. While none of these are bad in and of themselves, if we elevate these obligations to such a degree as to crowd out God we have created an idol that will block our access to him. We will have failed to fulfill God’s commandment to “have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).
In fact, some of the things that our culture considers to be an absolute good can at times become idols. We worship them with the best of intention without even thinking of God. Crusaders for pro-life causes treating their pro-choice opponents with scorn. Looking down on the women who go through abortion procedures without any thought to their intrinsic dignity as children of God. Pro-choice activists who think only of the rights of a mother without consideration for the rights of the child. Patriots who love a flag but then speak with hate and scorn for those who kneel during the national anthem instead of trying to understand them.
Even the Bible itself can become an idol if we lose sight of the word of God made flesh: Jesus. When we use the words of God to justify acting without love, we have lost our way. In the words of Saint Paul, "if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing" (1 Corinthians 12: 2-3).
I think back to a comment President Obama made in 2008. He said, "they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.” Right or wrong on the issues, I believe Obama instinctually recognized the existence of idols held up by some on the Christian right. Maybe it is time for less attacking and more self-reflecting.
