giving to god??

"'Caesar's," they replied.  Then he said to them, "So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.""  (Matthew 22:21)

Giving back to God "what is God's" can seem like we are already doing it - right?  We are following where God is leading, we are in worship (when it fits the schedule) and we are at least trying to fit "God time" into said schedule.  So.... "giving to God?" What ARE we giving to God?  We are almost to the biggest gift giving time of the year -- Christmas (yes, my "Jesus is the reason for the season" pin is ready to go on my hat - I have seen the first Christmas commercials) and we are at least planning on who we are going to give what to.  And, yes, I will probably be asking this question again -- "What are you giving to God, it IS HIS birthday!"  I still, however, want you to think about what we are giving God right now.

The readings today are about the gifts God has given to us.  In Exodus God is visiting, and protecting, Moses ""When I pass by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by." (Exodus 33:22)  This is because "for no one can see me and live." (33:20)  In 1 Thessalonians Paul is thanking God and explaining how he (and Silas and Timothy) are thanking God - "for we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,".  (1 Thessalonians 1:4)  The Gospel reading is reminding us to give to the government (Caesar) what is the government's - which we don't really have a lot of choice about. (Matthew 22:21)  They didn't have much choice either.  

But we DO have the choice of what we will give God.  Yes, our tithe.  Yes, support "our" church when we can.  Yes, we might even be in a Bible study during the week.  Just one question though...how often are you talking with friends and family - on the phone, in person or texting?  Is it possible we might be able to give God "more" of what IS God's?  More time?  Maybe even more money?  Maybe share the gifts God has given us with others?  Something to think about.......