Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him. -Mark 12:17 (NIV)
As agents of light, we are not to only be graceful when things are easygoing and smooth, but especially when times are stressful or downright overwhelming.
This includes bosses, friends, total strangers, authorities, and governments. Yes, all of them. Did you know that God works even through governments? He removes and establishes kings (Daniel 2:21), so no one rises to power without Him allowing it. It’s all part of a much larger plan we cannot see or understand till after everything falls into place.
There are some agents who believe they are not subject to the laws of man, but we are to respect and submit to authorities in our lives. Did Jesus Himself not tell the Pharisees and Herodians to pay to Caesar what is due to Caesar? (Mark 12:13-17)
Jesus Himself submitted to the governments and authorities of His time. So, we are to travel through this world and show the same grace, even when they are downright unreasonable and disagreeable.
So, the next time your friend, spouse, coworker, boss, etc., give you a hard time, let His grace flow through you so you can respond and submit in grace. As the following Walk in the Word devotional explains, He sees this and will bless you for it:
You may protest, “But my situation is different. What’s happening to me is so unjust. I’m being treated unfairly. It’s not right.” Your assessment may be right, but that doesn’t change God’s answer: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (5:6). God’s radical guidance runs contrary to our natural reactions. Clawing your way to some position of success or opportunity may seem appealing, but it is far more rewarding to wait, trust God, and see Him put you in that place. Then you know with certainty He wanted you there.
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