We all complain about taxes, but we like to use the roads they build, attend the schools they sustain, trust the water and food they inspect. We need the police and fire departments and the courts, who deserve our gratitude and require our careful oversight. Sure, we have to keep government accountable for how our taxes are spent. Our government has done some evil things, like letting 900,000 children under five die under the sanctions in Iraq. It is not only our Christian duty, but good citizenship to voice our conscience on such issues.
Democracy only works when the people get involved.
So for us, rendering unto Caesar means paying our taxes with clear conscience, no more but no less than our share, getting involved in the political process, and pushing to have our voice heard. So much for Caesar. Jesus isn't talking here about giving coins to God like we give them to Caesar. This isn't a stewardship sermon. Save that for another time and another text.