April 15 is quickly approaching, and we know what that means.  It is tax day.

I will admit that I do not like paying taxes.  I would rather keep more of my money.  Also, I do not always agree with what the money is used to do.

Governments are made up of people who are not perfect and sometimes are selfish.  No matter which way you lean politically, there always are things with which we can find fault.  Most people gripe about government and taxes, but few try to right the wrongs.

For those of us who are Christian, we do not have the right to not do our part.  And, honestly, having to deal with taxes means that God has blessed you financially.  All the receipts that you must wade through are proof that we have what we need.  All of the roads, first responders, and more that we appreciate are because of the taxes.  Truly, perspective is an important thing.

Taxes are not new.  They have been around for centuries and centuries.  In Jesus’ day the Jewish people paid taxes locally and to the Roman Empire.  And people griped about it then, too.  But Jesus said (in Matthew 22:21), “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Christians do not have the right to not do our part.  Of course, we should know that our true and ultimate citizenship is in God’s Kingdom, and we are traveling through this world.  But we must do our part and pay our part.

We must not forget that our governing authorities are allowed by God.  Because of that we are told in Romans 13:5-7: “Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience.  And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s servants, continually attending to these tasks.  Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.”

I know.  It hurts to pay taxes.  But it is what God allows and expects of us.  Let us try to look on the bright side, and let us do what we can to make our nation what it should be.

Consider learning more about being part of God’s Kingdom in the following resource…