By Clay Collins, Guest Columnist
207 837-0564
“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay to Caesar, or not?’ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’’
Matthew 22:15-22
It is that time of year when most people turn to fall activities such as raking leaves, preparing your snow equipment upcoming storms. What to do first? Do what most people do: flip a coin.
Every time we face difficult decisions or tasks we don’t necessarily want to do, What to do? We flip a coin. Either literally or figuratively.
Hopefully, we do the right thing. The Pharisees tried tricking Jesus into saying they should worship Caesar instead of God. Jesus was aware of their malice. Instead, he took a coin and told them to give Caesar what is Caesar’s and God what is God’s. As you move toward the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas), be careful and always remember your elderly friends and neighbors. Check on them regularly.
Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”
Benediction: Gracious and patient Father of us all, help us to always make the correct decision, and forgive us for making the wrong decision. Amen.
Thought for the month:
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” (Aristotle)
While Chaplain Christine is burdened with technology challenges, she has invited Past MSG Chaplain Clay to share some spiritual thoughts with our Grange Flock.