An undivided heart to serve the Lord our God does not exempt us from serving as citizens to our country and to our brothers and sisters. The mark of this devotedness was a physical circumcision, initiated by Abraham, that was handed down to all his heirs and descendants. It signified a physical covenant that they were to serve the one, true sovereign Lord (Gen 17: 1-14). Later, this devotedness had a deeper and mature understanding as related in Deuteronomy 10:12-22. Moses reminded the Israelites that God delivered them out of slavery in Egypt, brought them to the promised land and gave them the commandments to live as a People of God, demanding their full allegiance and servitude to Him with an undivided heart. Therefore, they were to practise justice and integrity, and serve the orphans, widows and the poor as God had done for them in their hardships.

Indeed, total allegiance to God, according to Moses, is reflected by a "circumcision of the heart" in Deuteronomy 17:18. It signifies that the people's interior transformation, motives and actions were to be completely aligned to the Will of God, giving due where it was deserved.

Jesus exemplifies this to His disciples by providing legitimate payment for the temple tax. It illustrates Jesus' wise comprehension of earthly dues, though He is a sovereign King, it is not the hour to manifest His sovereignty. He had Peter perform their earthly dues. God's sovereignty is His providence that sustains us.