Balancing Act

Matthew 22:15-22


Then the Pharisees went away to work out between them how to trap him in what he said. And they sent their disciples to him, together with some Herodians, to say, 'Master, we know that you are an honest man and teach the way of God in all honesty, and that you are not afraid of anyone, because human rank means nothing to you. Give us your opinion, then. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?' But Jesus was aware of their malice and replied, 'You hypocrites! Why are you putting me to the test? Show me the money you pay the tax with.' They handed him a denarius, and he said, 'Whose portrait is this? Whose title?' They replied, 'Caesar's.' Then he said to them, 'Very well, pay Caesar what belongs to Caesar -- and God what belongs to God.'

Sometimes decison making feels like walking a tightrope. What we want to do doesn't always match what others tell us we "should" do. What is called for by political or financial authorities doesn't always align with our personal preferences. However, our faith and our love that is rooted in Christ serves as a reliable balance point. Centered and focused upon Jesus' teaching, we can walk through the various tugs and pulls of life's decisions with the same balance exhibited by a skilled tightrope walker.
I've seen how these artists achieve their feat. In fact, I had the opportunity to meet and become acquainted with a famous tightrope walker, Karl Wallenda.

 He taught me that when learning to walk the wire, (or when executing a particularly challenging feat)the walker holds a long pole firmly at the center of the abdomen. This provides a secure balance. The confidence provided by the balance is what enables the walker to step along the wire. As the skill is developed the walker clings to an inner sense of balance, maintaining a focus that provides safe passage across the wire...at least most of the time.

As the authorities sought to trip up Jesus, they presented him questions about priorities and compliance with legal powers. Jesus' answer was confident. It addrsses both sides of the issue and places it in perspective. God at the center of all that Jesus said and did enabled him to meet the questions with perfect balance. There was no way that human wile could deflect Jesus from his purpose. Confusion was not possible for the one perfectly aligned with God.

The essential question to be addressed each moment is "what belongs to God"? Asking that question enables us to gaze with open hands at the resources we have at our disposal. By giving our heart and our life to God, everything else can flow to its proper purpose and function. "We" belong to God. That reality is at the core of faithfilled hearts. Everything else radiates from that center, resulting in a safe and secure walk through life.