Tuesday, October 2 Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.​—Matt. 22:21.

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Tuesday, October 2

Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.—Matt. 22:21.

 

God’s Word tells us to be obedient to human governments, yet it also teaches that we must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29; Titus 3:1) Is this a contradiction? Not at all! The principle of relative subjection helps us to understand and obey these commands. Jesus summarized this principle when he said the words of today’s text. We submit to the authority of the government under which we live by obeying its laws, respecting its officials, and paying the taxes it levies. (Rom. 13:7) However, if government authorities tell us to disobey God, we respectfully refuse to comply. We remain neutral in the world’s political affairs. (Isa. 2:4) Thus, we do not oppose human governments that Jehovah allows to function; nor do we promote patriotic or nationalistic activity. (Rom. 13:1, 2) We do not lobby, vote in political elections, run for government office, or try to change governments. w16.04 4:1, 2