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If you haven’t done so already, only a few more days remain until your taxes must be filed. At this moment, people are scrambling to gather all their receipts, 1099, and other miscellaneous forms, hoping that this one certainty in life (taxes) will not lead to the other (death). But before you grab your ledger and adding machine let’s consider for a moment what Christ has to say about this topic.
In Matthew 22 we see the Pharisees trying to trap Jesus in saying something cross about the Roman Government, in hopes to have Him arrested and killed. As a result they sent some of their own to go “ask Christ’s advice” on the highly explosive topic of Roman Taxation. In Verse 17 they said “Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
Christ knew their hearts and intent and asked them to bring Him a coin. Then in Verse 20 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.” They left speechless, impressed by what He had said.
Christ’s words stand as a testimony for us today. What is your heart and intent when filling out your taxes? Are you tempted to cheat, not report some income, or to fudge a little on your deductions? Are you filled with anger and bitterness for the amount of money you’re paying, while your neighbor seems to be getting a much better deal? Maybe your stomach is in knots as you worry about how you will make your tax and house payment in the same month.
Well, take Christ's advice. Go grab some coins or a paper dollar. Whose portrait is there? Christ’s? No. A leader in the Christian faith? Most likely not. Instead a headshot of an important man who played a vital role in shaping the history of America. What’s the inscription? “The United Sates of America.”
As a citizen of this country we are bound to its the laws and regulations, even if we don’t agree with them. As a citizen of God’s Nation we are called to respectfully obey our leaders and the laws they pass. We are called to live a life of integrity and honesty in all matters of life and faith; even those we disagree with.
Consider Christ’s words in Matthew 17. He was accused of not paying the temple tax, and although, being the Son of God, He was exempt; in verse 27 He said this to Peter, “But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
Look at your coin again. There is another inscription found on all US currency, “In God We Trust.” Do you trust God with your money? Do you trust Him enough to be completely honest in all your financial dealings? Regardless of how grim the situation looks?
Just as Jesus provided the coin in the mouth of the fish to pay Peter’s Temple tax; He will provide for all your financial needs as you trust and obey His Word. May you seek to live a life of honesty and integrity in all of your financial dealings.
Labels: Caesar, Cheat, Christ, Coin, Devotions, Dollar, Financial Needs, God, God’s kingdom, Government, In God We Trust, Integrity, IRS, Matthew 22, Pharisees, Roman, Tax, Temple, United States of America
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