Because I am so on top of things, I of course had my taxes done ages ago… just never mind my w-2’s on the corner of my desk or the blank 1040 sitting below them.
Truth is, I don’t like taxes. I don’t like our tax system, and I don’t like knowing that someone else has the power to come take from me what I have made by threat of imprisonment and further fines…
That said, here I am, doing those taxes I procrastinated on…the day they are due…because, hey, it’s the law.
I’d rather keep the money to myself to use, control, and if we’re being honest, find security in – After all, the larger my bank account, the more secure I’ll be against emergencies, lost income, etc.
But that isn’t what Jesus teaches us…
Teacher, we know that you are truthful and a defer to no one; for You are no partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, ‘Why are you testing Me? Bring me a denarius to look at.’ They brought one. And He said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ And they said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they were amazed at Him.” Mark 12: 14 – 17
Independently Wealthy
The contradiction of the age is that we actually think that being wealthy protects us from issues that life throw’s at us. We horde our money, cry foul at rising costs, mitigate taxes with loopholes.
Yet, most Americans, myself included are one catastrophe away from financial ruin. Even the wealthiest in the world succumb to the pains of reality.
The true definition of independent wealth is to be independent from wealth. Meaning, you don’t rely on your wealth for your life.
And this is the mistake the Pharisees made in listening to Jesus’ answer. They focused so much on the money they missed the point.
Jesus, Taxes, and Security
“What is God’s?”
Ravi Zacharias says that that question is probably the greatest question never asked.
I’d have to agree, because the answer is so profound!
The Bible doesn’t teach poverty as a way of life and I’m not advocating here for that lifestyle – if you have a ton of money, great. Just don’t place your security in your accounts.
You are God’s!
The Christian worldview tells us that we are God’s creation – that His image is imprinted on us and that He wants for us to lead a good life resting in His glory and trusting in His provision.
Whether our bank account is large or small doesn’t matter – He’s providing for our souls, not just our stomach.
So, I’ll finish my taxes, write the check and watch it bounce into the IRS office like I do every year (pun intended, hopefully not prophetically speaking).
I’ll trust in God’s provision for my family’s needs and not let my need for security be met by money…
It’s my display of faith and I encourage you to follow along.
Like what you’ve read? Check out more here:
http://www.displayedfaith.com/blog/
PS – Do we have to pay our taxes?
Yes.
