Even kids pay taxes, and they should, says motivational speaker Jim Rohn. His logic makes sense. Kids use sidewalks and benefit from safe streets so when they buy a toy or candy bar they must pay taxes.

In the movie, The Iron Lady, Margaret Thather said even the poor need to pay taxes. When they don’t, they lack a sense of ownership and healthy pride for taking care of their neighborhoods. They are more likely to graffiti and expect someone else, the government, to take care of it.

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).

It is natural to hear grumbling in tax season, especially when we don’t agree with how our taxes have been used. Philippians 2:14 says. “do all things without grumbling.” So as Christians we know we shouldn’t gripe, but complaining can creep in. Maybe we need to remember the good things our taxes do.

Taxes go to make our roads safe, maintain sidewalks, traffic lights, and make driving for the most part pleasurable. Have you ever traveled in a populated poor country that has no money for roads? If so, you appreciate our streets.

Taxes pay police, firefighters, hospitals, teachers, government leaders including our judges and others who seek to maintain law and order. 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.

Our taxes support our soldiers who protect our freedoms and our land. If we are unhappy with those in office, our taxes even maintain voting polls to change who’s in office.

Taxes work best when administered by people of good character with godly values. This is an election year, a perfect time to become informed on what is at stake and vote with sober wisdom. Pray for our nation and her leaders. Paying taxes reminds us that this is our country. It is our responsibility to do our part to protect and support our communities.

As you prepare your tax forms this year, thank God for your country and the blessings we share. Ask Him to guide our leaders and voters in wisdom on how to invest our resources well.

Blessings,

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