To Caesar or to God?

How do fans show which team is their favorite? How do they imitate their idols on a team? Sometimes by dressing the same way, talking about the team or player constantly or by trying to mimic their go to moves in competition.  

When I was a kid, I wanted to dress and play like my idol. That's why I watched videos hundreds, sometimes thousands of times, and then on the court I trained every element of the game to be like my favorite athlete. Later, I studied his life and behavior more. Clearly, I was demonstrating allegiance to him and his team. 

In Mark 12 the Pharisees are looking to trap Jesus by asking Him if they should pay taxes. Knowing their motives, Jesus answers simply, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Those in authority have power. Caesar had enough power to have his likeness stamped on coins. Some athletes have enough power to influence how we play the game or what shoes we buy. But we must always be careful that we are not doing the opposite of what Jesus warns. Giving to Caesar (our favorite players or teams) the things that are God’s. If we begin to give all of our time, attention and adoration to a team or player we are taking from God. 

Examine your heart. Examine the time you spend on your phone and social media. Examine who you think about and who you talk about. Are you giving to God the things that are God’s? Are you placing things ahead of Him? It is easy to allow other things to creep into God’s place. You need to be intentional about prioritizing your relationship with God and demonstrating the fruit of faith more than showing who your favorite team or player is.