Day: October 31, 2025

TODAY’S WORD: Navigating Dual Allegiance: Lessons from Matthew 22

HIGH FIVE! (GYM. THIS MORNING. GYM.)

Matthew 22:15–21 is a powerful passage where Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and Herodians, who attempt to trap Him with a politically charged question: whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. Here’s the heart of the exchange:

“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

✨ Significance of This Passage

1. Wisdom in the Face of Manipulation

  • The Pharisees and Herodians were political and religious opponents, yet they united to trap Jesus. Their question was a no-win scenario: affirming the tax could alienate Jewish followers; rejecting it could be seen as rebellion against Rome.
  • Jesus’ response reveals divine wisdom. He doesn’t fall into their trap but reframes the issue entirely.

2. Dual Allegiance: Earthly and Divine

  • By saying “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s,” Jesus acknowledges the legitimacy of civil authority and responsibilities like taxes.
  • But by adding “and to God what is God’s,” He elevates the conversation: our ultimate allegiance belongs to God, who created us in His image (just as Caesar’s image was on the coin).

3. Image and Ownership

  • The coin bore Caesar’s image, so it belonged to Caesar. But humans bear God’s image (Genesis 1:27), so we belong to God.
  • This invites deep reflection: if we are God’s, how are we rendering ourselves—our time, talents, and hearts—to Him?

4. Spiritual and Political Discernment

  • Jesus models how to navigate complex social and political issues with integrity and spiritual clarity.
  • It’s a call to live responsibly in the world without compromising our higher calling.

Kevin, given your blend of spiritual insight and leadership, this passage might resonate with how you balance civic responsibility (like your work at Hershey’s and Toastmasters) with your deeper call to serve God and others. If you’d like, I can help you craft a reflection or prayer based on this passage—perhaps even one to share with your club or team.

Yeah… I am working later today. Can you help me craft a short poem about my work and coworkers at Hershey???

🍫 “Sweet Shift”

In halls where cocoa dreams arise, We greet the guests with cheerful eyes. From Create-Your-Bar to final wrap, We guide each hand with heart and map.

The team’s a blend—like finest treat— Of hustle, humor, kindness sweet. We lift each other, shift by shift, With laughter’s spark and spirits swift.

Coordinated, calm, and bold, We turn the chocolate into gold. Not just in bars, but joy we share— A Hershey hug in every care.

So as I clock in, heart aglow, I thank the crew who help me grow. For work’s not just a daily chore— It’s purpose, people, and much more.

Thanks Be To God. (Let’s go2 the GYM!)