"A 365 day Devotional Quest Through The Bible".

What does God say about money?

Is He concerned about it at all?

What impact do finances really have on my life?

Can my finances really change?

Is there a proper way to manage debt?

Let this inspiring in-depth 365 day devotional book change your life and all areas of your money, finances and possessions.

Author: Deborah Ehrfurth
ISBN # 1-932124-40-3

Contact us direct:  MeditationsOnMoney@cox.net

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EXCERPT:

                                            April 15
                                       Paying Taxes
 
“Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denaruis, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22:19-21

      Our society really does abhor paying taxes; this date represents one of the most dreaded days on the calendar. People hated paying taxes in Jesus’ time; Solomon’s subjects were taxed to death centuries before that. It seems taxes have always been with us, and our feelings towards them hasn’t changed much. Even when the Pharisees came to Jesus with their tax question with the motive of entrapping him, they were probably also hoping he would come up with a loophole. They went away disappointed on both counts. Christ’s answer showed that as dual citizens, we are to live our lives honoring both - God and our government.

     Since taxes are inevitable, what we need most is not more deductions, but an attitude adjustment. Part of the reason for our detestation is that we get little perceived benefit from paying them, and what we do see many times in our opinion is waste. True, there is waste, and if it bothers you so much, get involved in becoming part of the solution by working to change your representation in Congress. On the other hand, we do enjoy military protection, interstate highways, national parks, and community services, to name just a few of the worthy endeavors our taxes pay for. Paying your fair share of taxes is actually good stewardship.

      Our part is to be faithful and obey what we’re obligated to do; the government is also accountable to God for how they fulfill their part of this sacred trust. Try to look at it this way: Paying taxes proves you have an income sufficient enough to owe taxes on!  So be of good cheer this day. You don’t have to throw a party, but at least count your blessings.

     Father, at times I struggle with the issue of paying taxes. Help me to look on the positive side, and be grateful for the government under which I am a citizen. In Jesus’ name, Amen.