ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
A Dilemma of Loyalty
KEY VERSE
“And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” (Matthew 22:16,17).
Bible Reading:
Matthew 22:15-17 (KJV)
15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
MESSAGE
In 1961, Joseph Heller penned a novel called “Catch-22”. Since then, the term has come to describe those tricky situations that create a real dilemma when making decisions. A Catch-22 question is like a trap; no matter how you handle the situation, it can be turned against you.
In today’s passage, Jesus faced a catch-22 situation with the Pharisees and the Herodians. They approached Him with flattery, slyly asking whether it was lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, the Roman Emperor. Was it right to pay the poll tax imposed by the Roman rulers in Judea then? This question was a cleverly designed Catch-22 frame meant to corner Jesus. If He answered yes, He would be seen as unpatriotic since many Jews viewed the Romans with resentment and saw the tax as a symbol of oppression. Conversely, if He said No, He could be accused of inciting rebellion against the Roman government. It was a question that required discernment and wisdom to navigate.
We often face similar dilemmas regarding our spiritual responsibilities and civic duties. This can happen when we are expected to engage in politics or take on social responsibilities in our communities. However, Jesus’ response to this tricky question provides a straightforward and timeless solution for such dilemmas: Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God. This means we should fulfil our civic duties, like paying taxes, utility bills and obtaining necessary documents for our vehicles and businesses, etc. At the same time, we owe God our worship, obedience, and unwavering loyalty—those things do not belong to Caesar! We also need to avoid corrupt practices like bribery, which some might mistakenly equate with the legitimate taxes that every responsible citizen is expected to pay. A bribe does not belong to Caesar either!
Moreover, unlike the Pharisees, we should strive to be honest in our words. We must be sincere and transparent when we ask questions in the church, not seeking to manipulate, deceive, trap or ridicule our leaders. True Christians are authentic in their conversation and do not harbour hidden agendas. They do not engage in flattery or conspire to trap others. Instead, they have respect for truth and seek it earnestly.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
In the end, the dilemma of loyalty is resolved by surrendering allegiance to God
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
2 John 1:1-13; 3 John 1:1-14
COMMENTARY
1. The Trap of Flattery – The Pharisees and Herodians came to Jesus with flattery, hoping to trap Him. They praised Him insincerely, saying, “We know that thou art true.” Flattery is often a tool of manipulation. Believers must be discerning when people approach with excessive praise, especially when their motives are suspect.
2. The Catch-22 Dilemma – The question about paying tribute to Caesar was designed to trap Jesus. If He said yes, He would alienate the Jewish people. If He said no, He would be accused of rebellion against Rome. This is a classic Catch-22 situation. Jesus, however, navigated it with divine wisdom.
3. The Timeless Principle: Render to Caesar and to God – Jesus’ answer provides a timeless principle for resolving dilemmas of loyalty. We have civic duties—paying taxes, obeying laws, and fulfilling our responsibilities as citizens. We also have spiritual duties—worship, obedience, and loyalty to God. The two are not in conflict when properly understood.
4. Avoiding Corruption – The devotional clarifies that bribes do not belong to Caesar. Bribery is corruption, not a legitimate civic duty. Christians must distinguish between lawful taxes and unlawful payments. We must also be honest in our words and actions, not manipulating or deceiving others.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Integrity – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes integrity in all areas of life. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that believers must be honest citizens and faithful worshippers. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to resolve loyalty dilemmas by prioritizing allegiance to God.
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 integrity in civic and spiritual duties.
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 live with integrity and to prioritize allegiance to God.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, give me wisdom to navigate the dilemmas of loyalty I face. Help me to fulfil my civic duties honestly and to give You the worship and obedience You deserve. Guard me from flattery, manipulation, and corruption. May my words and actions reflect Your truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen
