In Sunday school about a week and a half ago, we discussed the instance when the Herodians tempted Jesus, saying "Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" (Matthew 22:17). In the margins I had written a little note that was insightful -- but one which I had forgotten. It's times like these that I'm glad I'm made numerous notes in my margins.
But first, the rest of the story:
"But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:18-21).
My note is not my own insight but Elder Talmage's, from his masterpiece Jesus the Christ. (It's on page 507 in the former Missionary Reference Library version and on page 546 in the newer version.) It says: "Every human soul is stamped with the image and superscription of God, however blurred and indistinct the line may have become through the corrosion or attrition of sin... give unto God and His service, yourselves -- the divine mintage of His eternal realm."
A lot of people look at this life like a career rather than a mission. Yet, the Savior noted that, "His kingdom was NOT of this world!" Didn't He pray (Mt 6) "Thy Kingdom come THY WILL be done on earth as it is in Heaven!" Today, we live in a time when the little stone has been cut out of the mTns w/o hands...(Dan 2.44,45) that the Millennial day may surely come (dc 65.5,6) nothing unHallowed or persecutory shall stop this work...When Jesus taught about rendering unto Ceaser the things of Ceaser isn't that a bit like agreeing w/ thy adversary quickly? In other words, to be wise as a servant but harmless as a dove as we are in the image of the Lord, Our Creator, to go forth with the work of the Lord that none shall stay them (dc 1.5) and so as we are in the Lord's work, to do His service, then we who are in the service of the Lord seeking to exalt others the very work, then, will exalt us (Mosiah 2.17; Moses 3.5, 3 NE 28.1-12). If we get preoccupied with the barbs or taunts of the Pharisee or the gvmnt exactions and become easily beset thereby and full of despair (Moroni 10.22) how, then, can our mind be enlightened to do the work of the Lord (dc 6.15,16)? Sort of like people who can't forgive they literally pay to the uttermost farthing as they fight the court battle of how RIGHT they were rather than to seek the right (Jhn 8.30,31) and so if we become full of angst and wish to drink the poison that we hope will kill another how then can we be full of light let a light upon the hill? (Mt 5.14) In other words, to invest o/self fully in his work with all we have (dc 4.5,6) and an eternal concern for others (Mosiah 28.3) then we find as we seek that 1st (Mt 6.33) all else is added to us that is sufficient for our needs and is necessary. We are his children (Heb 12.8) and so if He will care for the lilies of the field, that spin and toil not, shall he not much more care for us (you & me) what is providential who seek to be engaged in many things to bring to pass much righteousness? (dc 58.26-28)
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