In Gospel of Mark 12:17, Jesus said:
“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
This statement is not only about taxes. It is about ownership. If a coin bears Caesar’s image, it belongs to Caesar. But we bear God’s image (Book of Genesis 1:27). Therefore, our whole life belongs to Him.
But how much should a modern Christian give to Jesus?
The answer becomes clearer when we understand transformation through Christ.
1. A New Identity Changes Everything
Second Corinthians 5:17 says:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
This verse teaches that Christianity is not just about religious duty—it is about new life.
If we are a “new creation”:
- Our priorities change.
- Our desires change.
- Our goals change.
- Our relationship with money, time, and work changes.
We no longer live for ourselves. We live for Christ.
In fact, just a few verses earlier (2 Corinthians 5:15), Paul says Christ died so that those who live “might no longer live for themselves but for Him.”
So how much should we give?
A new creation gives a new life.
2. How Much of Our Time Should We Give?
Since we are new in Christ, time is no longer wasted on empty pursuits.
Jesus said in Gospel of Matthew 6:33:
“Seek first the kingdom of God.”
This means:
- Daily prayer
- Daily Scripture reading
- Ongoing communion with God
- Weekly worship and fellowship (Epistle to the Hebrews 10:25)
Time given to God is not about quantity alone, but priority.
A modern Christian may work 8–12 hours daily—but God should still receive:
- The first moments of the morning
- Conscious dependence throughout the day
- Worship and reflection in the evening
Because we are new creations, we no longer give God leftovers—we give Him first place.
3. Balancing Work Life and Spiritual Life
Many believers struggle with work pressure, business responsibilities, and family demands. But 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that our identity is not defined by our career—it is defined by Christ.
A. Work as a New Creation
Epistle to the Colossians 3:23 says:
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord.”
A new creation:
- Works with integrity
- Avoids corruption
- Treats others with kindness
- Reflects Christ in the workplace
B. Integrate, Don’t Separate
Spiritual life is not only:
- Church attendance
- Bible study
- Ministry activity
It is living every moment for God’s glory (First Corinthians 10:31).
Balance is not dividing life into 50% work and 50% prayer.
True balance is:
- 100% work done for Christ
- 100% heart surrendered to Christ
Even Jesus withdrew to pray (Gospel of Luke 5:16), showing the importance of renewal.
Practical balance for modern Christians:
- Start your day with God.
- Schedule time for church and fellowship.
- Protect family time.
- Take rest seriously.
- Keep short accounts with God through daily repentance.
4. How Much of Our Money Should We Give?
A new creation has a new relationship with money.
In the Old Testament, tithing was commanded (Book of Malachi 3:10).
In the New Testament, giving becomes joyful and voluntary (Second Corinthians 9:7).
Many believers use 10% as a starting point. But the New Testament emphasizes:
- Regular giving
- Proportional giving
- Cheerful giving
- Sacrificial giving
Because we are new in Christ, money is no longer our master (Gospel of Matthew 6:24).
We give not out of obligation—but gratitude.
5. How Much of Our Talents and Abilities?
First Peter 4:10 teaches:
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another.”
If we are new creations, our skills are no longer for self-glory but for God’s glory.
Whether in:
- Business
- Media
- Teaching
- Government
- Technology
- Church ministry
We are stewards, not owners.
The Parable of the Talents in Gospel of Matthew 25:14–30 reminds us that God expects faithfulness.
6. So How Much Should a Modern Christian Give?
Mark 12:17 tells us to give God what belongs to Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us we are new creations.
Put these together, and the answer becomes clear:
We give:
- Our time
- Our money
- Our abilities
- Our priorities
- Our ambitions
- Our whole heart
Epistle to the Romans 12:1 calls this being a “living sacrifice.”
But transformed living.
Final Reflection
If you are in Christ, you are not the old person trying to improve yourself.
You are a new creation.
Instead, it asks:
“Lord, my life is Yours. How do You want to use it?”
We do not calculate percentages of devotion.
We surrender our whole life—joyfully—to Him.
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