Conflict

Mark 12:17

Jesus said to them, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.

How often do we attempt

to put words into God's mouth?

And how often do we interpret

Jesus' words to suit our purposes?

The truth is

that Jesus' way

of peace and justice

is not a road we take lightly

and not a path

we cab manipulate

to our own taste.

Following Christ

is wholehearted,

not a mish mash

of the bits we like best.

And sometimes that entails

showing respect

for those in authority

whether we are in agreement

or not.

Such is the way of the kingdom.

Prayer

God help us not to pick and choose but to be all in with our obedience to you, living peaceably with those who have authority over us.