"And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him." (Mark 12:17)

April 15 is a day dreaded by many Americans. It's a day on which many must reckon their dues to the IRS, a day when many make decisions in their heart to be honest or to "bend the rules" just a bit.

Integrity is a word that seems to have lost its meaning throughout the recent years. Not long ago it was common for a contract to be made binding on a "word" and a handshake. Now it seems that even though a signed document exists, notarized, certified, and filed in court, a good lawyer can find a loophole which will enable a promise or vow to be broken if one takes a notion and has enough money put away to pay the lawyer. So much for integrity! How our actions must grieve the Father!

Set an example for others around you. Be diligent to pay "Caesar" what is owed. Your diligence may not be noted here on earth, but your Father, who is in heaven, sees and will reward you openly for your truthfulness and example of integrity and responsibility.

Give unto Caesar that which is Caesars, but then be sure to give to God that which is God's . . . everything you are and everything you hope to be, totally, unreservedly, and unashamedly.

Father, integrity is something that I very much admire in people—when they say they will do something, they do it. Lord, You told us to render unto Caesar that which is his; I have done that. Now, Lord, help me to render unto You that which is Yours—all of Me. Lord, I give myself to You once again. I surrender my will, my hopes, my dreams, my purposes, my all. Accept all that I am and all that I ever hope to be as an offering; may it ascend to heaven as a sweet-smelling savor pleasing and acceptable to You. I love You, Lord . . . Amen!

"For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad." (Luke 8:17)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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