Who Says So?

"Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

(Matthew 22:21, NIV)

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God."
(Romans 13:1)

Our children not only inherit our attitudes toward money but also our views on authority.

As you file your taxes this year, remind your children of the benefits our tax dollars provide. Much of the money funds schools and recreational facilities, helps the poor, builds and maintains roads, and supports libraries and public services.

Those in authority are human beings. They cannot see everything or know everything. Just as children can help parents consider new options, so all citizens have the responsibility and the opportunity to help authorities consider alternatives they may not have considered. As Christians, we have a responsibility to communicate our values to those in authority.

As parents, we should also set the example in praying for those who are in authority over us and who spend our tax dollars. Pray with your children for your local, state, and national leaders. Ask God to keep them safe and to give them wisdom as they serve in positions of authority.

Questions for Discussion

• What is authority? Who are our national, state, and local leaders? Why should we pray for them? What specific concern do we have that we want to address in prayer?
• How are the decisions we make about spending funds in our family like the decisions those in political authority make about spending tax money? How are they different? How do faith and values affect each decision?
• Would we (as a family) like to send a letter to our senator, representative, city council representative, or other elected official about a concern we have for our nation, state, city, or area?

Posted in2003..