?? Fiduciary Focus: Lessons from Today’s Sermon—"Render to Caesar" in Business and Life ????

During today's sermon, we reflected on the well-known Gospel passage: "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God, the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21). The message hit home for me, especially in my role as a fiduciary working with family-owned businesses. The priest emphasized that everything we are and have—including life itself—comes from God, and it’s up to us to choose whether to commit to Him or to the world, often represented by material pursuits.

As a financial planner, this lesson is especially relevant. I work daily with business owners who navigate the demands of “rendering to Caesar”—taking care of taxes, financial responsibilities, and growing their businesses. But we must also remember that everything we build and achieve success ultimately belongs to God. ??

This balance between financial success and eternal priorities is at the heart of what I do. So, how do we render to both Caesar and God, especially in the world of business?

Today's Sermon, Restated: Why It Matters in Business and Finance ??

Today’s message challenges us to think deeply about where our true allegiance lies. Are we dedicating our lives solely to pursuing profit, wealth, and worldly achievements? Or are we remembering that everything we have is a gift from God—meant to be used for His glory and the good of others? This is where the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine come in, reminding us to see wealth not as an end but as a means to serve a higher purpose.

In practical terms, as business owners and financial planners, we must make intentional choices that align with our moral and spiritual values. Render to Caesar the taxes, compliance, and strategic planning—but never forget to render your heart, integrity, and purpose to God.

If today’s sermon resonated with you and you want to create a financial plan that aligns with your spiritual goals, let’s connect! ??? I help business owners balance financial success and eternal priorities.

Donald F. Morgan is a full-time financial advisor, serial entrepreneur, lifelong amateur economist, and political scientist. He is often seen on television news and quoted in publications as diverse as The Financial Times, US News and World Report, and Spokane Journal of Business. He and his wife Violet produced and directed a local television talk show, and he has had a column in the Coeur d’Alene Press. His views are his own.