Day 10 – Responsibility

“But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. 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 22:18-21 NKJV

Your responsibility towards your finances is to ensure to pay what is due. This includes debts, accounts, and taxes. When Jesus answered the religious leaders, he made it very clear that the currency handed to Him belonged to Ceasar. So, pay the government what is theirs as this is a Biblical principle. Heaven’s currency does not work in “denarius” or any worldly currency. Finances allocated to the Kingdom in the form of tithing, offerings, or donations are used to better lives for the Kingdom.

To me, the currency of Heaven is summed up in the Fruit of the Spirit, because these represent the return of what we sow into the lives of God’s people.

Responsible handling of finances as a Christian should always start with giving to God because this is a symbol of the first fruit of your labour. Think about it like this, when you started your first job, you did not start out with a salary – you were only remunerated after the work period and therefore it is the fruit of your labour. Then you can settle your financial responsibilities and with the rest work in such a way to be accountable for every cent. No one can “make” you spend your money on frugal things, it is your money and your responsibility.

Prayer: Father, please teach me the spiritual discipline to be responsible with my finances and to understand each responsibility fully – even those due to the government. Please forgive me for the times that I did not think to give the first fruit of my labour to you and give me an open heart to give where You show me to. Amen.