Render Unto Caesar

Denarius under Tiberius

Today is tax day. I know both Ayla and Anton have completed their taxes and sent them in, as have we. Tax time is my least favorite time of year. It requires math ... and I am way too pretty for math, hee hee. And with Daddy and I both having contracted jobs, it requires a bit more work - and forms - to pull it together. So I try to get to it as soon as possible just to be done with it for the year. It's a part of life that allows our federal, state and local governments the opportunity to provide us with leadership, good roads, education for our children and the like. And Jesus, of course, supported the paying of taxes with his comment in Matthew 22:17-21,“'Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?' But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, 'Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.' And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, 'Whose head is this, and whose title?' They answered, 'The emperor’s.' Then he said to them, 'Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.'” Jesus even had a clever way of paying the temple tax one time. All Jewish males over age 20 were required to pay a shekel in temple tax. When asked if he would pay it Jesus responded to Peter in Matthew 17:27, "Go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin, take that and give it to them for you and me.” Oh that we all could play taxes that way!

A shekel

You will be paying taxes for the rest of your lives - hopefully not at a higher percentage than is already set. But there are rules in place to claim deductions on those taxes, so be sure to know the law and keep accurate records, especially with regards to future homes, medical expenses and charitable giving. Those will all make a huge difference in what you pay. Romans 13:7-8 says, "Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." So be timely and honest. And in that vein be aware of who your representatives and senators are and how they are voting on tax issues. That is your responsibility as well and how we the people have checks and balances on those who govern us in this country. It is our right and responsibility as citizens.

Discussion: What thoughts go through your mind at tax time? Are you aware of tax laws and how your governing officials vote with regards to taxes?

Prayer: Father, we ask for wisdom in paying what we owe and how we handle our finances. May you be glorified in our obedience and in the spending of those funds. In Jesus, Amen.