Parents and care givers who send a child off to college or to a different city to live on their own may observe that their child gradually becomes aware of who fed, clean, clothed and housed them in their infant years; who sacrificed so much time, personal interest and resources to provide them with an education and opportunities to grow and mature. It may not be until that child has a child of their own that they fully appreciate all their parents or care givers did for them and how much they owe them, and possibly express gratitude. Are we aware of God’s gifts to us and try to use them to the best of our ability for ourselves and others? Do we understand our obligation to thank God for his generosity? If we never become aware of God’s gifts to us, and fail to use them, we may have to depend on Caesar [the state]. Then we may understand the wisdom of Jesus, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” It may be helpful to remember that without God there would be no Caesar [the state].
