Tax Time Thoughts

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace. (Luke 20:20-26)

It was the day after the yearly ritual - I had driven to the accountant's office and handed him all my paperwork so he could prepare my tax returns. None of us are very fond of that particular part of life in America. But here I was, the very next day, reading Jesus' comments about paying taxes. Interesting how timely the Word of God is, isn't it? It always speaks right to the need of the moment.

As I read these words I was reminded of two things:

We should be faithful about paying our taxes, and about everything else related to being a responsible citizen of the country. "Render unto Caesar" was how Jesus put it, and He meant, as much as is possible, do your duty as a Roman citizen. Paul would later expand upon this thought in Romans 13, when he taught us to "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers." and "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." (Romans 13:1,7) So, if you are a Christian, pay your taxes, and be a good citizen of this great country.

But Jesus also said that we should render "to God the things that are God's." We shouldn't let our responsibility to God get lost in our other responsibilities. It is always there and always paramount - our greatest and highest responsibility. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38)

May God help us to be good citizens, but more importantly - to be good Christians.