Vows          

The Bible says: “And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.” Luke 20:20-26 (KJV)

As the wealthy oil tycoon lay on his deathbed, his pastor talked of God's healing power. “Pastor,” he gasped, “if God heals me, I’ll give the church a million dollars.” Miraculously, the man revived and within a few short weeks was out of the hospital.

One day, several months later, he and the pastor chatted on the sidewalk in front of a hardware store. “You know,” the pastor said, “when you were in the hospital dying, you promised to give the church a million dollars if you got well. We haven’t got it yet.”

“Did I say that?” the tycoon asked. “I guess that goes to show how sick I really was!”

In an attempt to trick Jesus into saying something against the ruling government a trap was conjured up asking about paying taxes. Jesus’ answer is one about character. As Believers, we are to be honest in all things. There are consequences in not doing what we should do or pay. Integrity should be the most prevalent characteristic in our lives. Remember we can never outgive God. I heard a man say recently about tithing: “Some say they cannot afford to tithe; I can’t afford not to tithe!” 

    Daily Chronological Bible Reading: Numbers 28-30