Tax season incites grumbling, from weary accountants and taxpayers alike, especially when we don’t agree with how our taxes are used or we feel the amount is exorbitant. Philippians 2:14 says, “Do all things without grumbling.” All things—including paying taxes?

As a Christian that means I shouldn’t gripe about taxes. But that hasn’t stopped my complaints when we had to pay more than expected. Maybe, like me, you could benefit from a fresh look at taxes.

Paying Taxes Benefits the Tax Payer

• Motivational speaker Jim Rohn said even kids pay taxes—and they should. Children use public parks, beaches, and sidewalks and benefit from safe streets, so when they buy Barbie clothes or KitKat bars, they pay taxes.
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• Margaret Thatcher, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, said even the poor should pay taxes. When they don’t, they lack the sense of ownership and healthy pride that come from taking care of their neighborhoods. They are more likely to use graffiti and expect the government to take care of it.
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• If you’ve ever traveled in poor countries that have no money for roads you appreciate our streets. Taxes maintain our roads, sidewalks, and traffic lights making driving safer and more pleasurable.
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• In some countries carjacking is an everyday occurrence. Bandits freely roam neighborhoods. People live in homes with barred windows that are surrounded by cement block walls and barbed wire. Taxes support police, firefighters, hospitals, teachers, government leaders including judges and others who seek to maintain law and order.
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• Our taxes support our soldiers who protect our freedom and our land.
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• Paying taxes reminds us that this is our country. It is our responsibility to do our part to protect and support our communities. If we are unhappy with those in office, our taxes even maintain voting polls so we can vote for new leaders.

Paying Taxes is Biblical

Jesus paid taxes (Matthew 17:27). He said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17 NASB).

Taxes work best when administered by people with good character and godly values. This is a good reason to use our voting privileges wisely and to pray for our nation and leaders.

As you submit your tax forms this year, ask God to guide our leaders and grant them a sense of accountability to Him. Pray for our nation and thank God for our country and the many benefits we enjoy.

Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority” (Rom. 13:6-7 NLT).

Add your thoughts here.

Blessings,

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