ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna – Responsibilities of Dual Citizens
Friday, August 21, 2026
KEY VERSE
“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 22:20,21).
Bible Reading:
Matthew 22:18-22 (KJV)
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 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.
22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
MESSAGE
Kofi Annan, the Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006, is a figure whose life was shaped by the responsibilities of dual citizenship. While Annan was a Ghanaian citizen by birth, his role in international diplomacy required him to balance his connection to his homeland with his responsibility to the global community. In his role in Ghana, he worked to advance the nation’s standing on the world stage, often advocating for African issues and the continent’s development in the international arena. On the other hand, in his global duty as UN Secretary-General, his role involved diplomacy with countries in conflict, addressing human rights abuses, and working toward humanitarian aid and general global peace.
In the passage, the Pharisees, who were trying to trap Jesus, posed a question about paying taxes to Caesar. The dilemma they presented seemed unsolvable: if Jesus said it was lawful to pay tax, He could alienate the people, who hated Roman rule. But if He said it was unlawful, He could be accused of stirring insurrection. But Jesus, with His wisdom, cut through the manipulation and answered in a way that transcended their trap. He asked for a coin, a denarius, and asked whose image was on it. “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then, He gave a profound answer that has echoed through history: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Jesus’ words highlight that we are citizens of two realms – an earthly kingdom, with earthly responsibilities, and God’s kingdom, with eternal responsibilities. While on earth, we are to honour the systems of authority set before us, paying taxes, respecting laws, and fulfilling our civic duties, which are part of our witness to the world. On the other hand, we must always remember that we are made in the likeness of God and, as such, our lives, our hearts, our very being, are His. In all, while our lives may be marked by the needs of the world—job, family, relationships—our ultimate allegiance should lie with God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A coin has two sides, so do our duties to God and man
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Daniel 3-5
COMMENTARY
1. Dual Citizenship: Earth and Heaven – As believers, we are citizens of two realms. We live in the world, with earthly responsibilities, but our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). We must fulfill our duties to both without compromising our ultimate allegiance to God.
2. Honoring Earthly Authorities – Jesus taught that we are to render to Caesar what belongs to him. This includes paying taxes, obeying laws, and respecting governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7). Our obedience to earthly authorities is part of our Christian witness and demonstrates our integrity.
3. Giving to God What Is His – The coin bore Caesar’s image, so it belonged to him. But humanity bears the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, our lives, hearts, and worship belong to God. We are to give Him our whole selves—not just a portion—because we are made in His likeness.
4. Balancing Earthly and Eternal Duties – The devotional emphasizes that while we have responsibilities to the world—job, family, relationships—our ultimate allegiance must be to God. We are to live in the world but not be of it. Our duties to God must always take precedence when there is a conflict.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Faithful Living – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry teaches that believers must be exemplary citizens in their communities while maintaining their distinct identity as God’s people. Pastor Kumuyi encourages believers to be salt and light in society, fulfilling their civic duties while keeping their heavenly focus.
About DCLM and Daily Manna
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) was founded in 1973 by Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi. From a small Bible study of 15 students in Lagos, it has grown into a global ministry with churches across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The ministry emphasizes holiness, prayer, Bible study, and faithful citizenship.
DCLM Daily Manna is a daily devotional written by Pastor Kumuyi. Each edition provides Scripture reading, exposition, and practical application to guide believers in their daily walk with God. The devotional consistently calls readers to honor God while fulfilling their earthly responsibilities.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, help me to fulfill my responsibilities as a citizen of earth and of heaven. Give me wisdom to honor earthly authorities while keeping my ultimate allegiance to You. I give You my whole self—my life, my heart, and my worship—because I am made in Your image. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
