Taken from: http://www.lifeapp.org/irsandjesus.html
___________________________________________________________
Taxes, Giving & Caesar
The great equalizers in our humanity are sin, death & taxes. In this there
is no respecter of persons, no way around it: Just facts of life.
Have you ever noticed when you put the words "the IRS" together, it spells
"theirs?" If you're like most folks, you may feel like all you ever do is
pay taxes.
Those who have not spent any time in the Word of God find it quite
surprising that the Bible speaks very clearly on the subject of taxes and
our responsibilities to the Government. It directly states that we are to
pay taxes because we are to respect the governing authorities. As
Christians, we also have a higher calling than just the law, in that we are
also to be ethical and completely honest about everything.
In all four Gospels, it is recorded that Jesus, too was asked about paying
taxes. In Matthew 22:16-22, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees regarding
the necessity of paying taxes. Although they were more interested in
trapping Jesus regarding the law; Jesus managed to put the Pharisees in
their place, and did not fall prey to their man-made trap. Read Matthew's
account:
Matthew 22:16-21
They decided to send some of their disciples, along with the supporters
of Herod, to ask him this question: "Teacher, we know how honest you are.
You teach about the way of God regardless of the consequences. You are
impartial and don't play favorites. [17] Now tell us what you think about
this: Is it right to pay taxes to the Roman government or not?"
[18] But Jesus knew their evil motives. "You hypocrites!" he said. "Whom
are you trying to fool with your trick questions? [19] Here, show me the
Roman coin used for the tax." When they handed him the coin, [20] he asked,
"Whose picture and title are stamped on it?"
[21] "Caesar's," they replied.
"Well, then," he said, "give to Caesar what belongs to him. But
everything that belongs to God must be given to God."
Jesus knew, that at times, the government makes lawful requests of us; and
so did Paul, when he stated in Hebrews 13:17 that we are also to obey the
leaders that God has allowed to be in authority over us. This means, we
must be diligent in both our giving to GOD, and also in paying of taxes in
accordance with the law of the land. This also includes supporting our
Governmental Leadership in programs that they administer, such as the
military, social & economic subjects; even if you don't happen to agree with
every procedure or policy!
We are responsible to God in all things, but we must be obedient to the
powers that be in things civil and national. In Romans 12:1-7, Paul
confirms what Jesus was talking about in stating that we should:
Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All
governments have been placed in power by God. [2] So those who refuse to
obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will
follow. [3] For the authorities do not frighten people who are doing right,
but they frighten those who do wrong. So do what they say, and you will get
along well. [4] The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are
doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be
punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to
punish those who do wrong. [5] So you must obey the government for two
reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience.
[6] Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers
need to be paid so they can keep on doing the work God intended them to do.
[7] Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and import duties,
and give respect and honor to all to whom it is due.
The Bible makes it clear that we are to pay taxes because we are to respect
the governing authorities. As Christians, we also have a higher calling than
the law to be ethical and completely honest about everything.
In speaking with taxpayers throughout the nation, I have spoken to many
people who tell me that they think it's OK to cheat "a little" because the
government gets enough already; yet, when they get called on it, they blame
the Government, the Administration, or the IRS. not themselves!
You'd be surprised to know how many folks I talk to EVERY DAY, who act
'shocked' that they owe back taxes, penalties and interest for things they
thought they had 'gotten away with' up to two, three, or even ten years ago,
that are just now coming into light. They seem to think that since it's
been over 'x' amount of years that they should not have been penalized for
it. Sorry folks, but contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as
a 'statute of limitations' on un-filed tax returns in the United States
Code, Title 26 [otherwised known as the Internal Revenue Code].
Jesus told us in Luke, chapter 16, verse 10: "He who is faithful in what is
least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is
unjust also in much."
It's a basic reaping and sowing principle. You reap what you sow. You reap
corruption, you reap the benefit.
The basic distinction to be made is between legally "minimizing your tax
liability" versus "tax avoidance" or "tax evasion." The latter two
distinctions can carry with them severe financial and civil penalties. if
not even time in special place set aside by Uncle Sam for making big rocks
into little rocks (Federal Prison).
It's OK to minimize taxes by taking advantage of legal provisions of the tax
law, or even taking a sensible position on a vague question of law. But we
cross the line into tax evasion, which is a criminal activity, when there's
no sincere claim of truth. If intent or even implied intent can be proven,
watch out, 'for the tax-man cometh!'
In the same way, we should look at our giving to God. Giving to God is not
supposed to be some legal ritual set forth by the governing body of the
church, but rather, a JOY, to be gladly given to support the work and
ministry of the local body. If you have more to give that you can share
with other reputable ministries, then do so! God loves a cheerful giver.
You sow liberally, you reap liberally. You sow sparingly, you reap
sparingly.
I know, I know. at times it seems as if "Uncle Sam" seems to take liberally
and give sparingly. but regardless of how you perceive the Government's
handling of your hard earned money, the spiritual principle applies to each
and every man, woman, boy and girl! Even if you are not a Christian, this
principle is well above 'religious based' ideas. It's on the same level as
gravity. You don't have to like it, but it affects you regardless.
God is above all. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and is the creator
of the entire universe. Any Governmental policy that misuses our hard
earned tax dollars will come into account in due season. In the mean time,
let GOD deal with our leaders and their spending plans through your PRAYER
and your VOTE, and let US deal with OUR accountability to HIM in our own
stewardship, knowing that in so doing, we'll reap the benefit of God's
favor.
In Psalm 37:25, David stated very clearly that:
Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly
forsaken, nor seen their children begging for bread.
Jehovah Jirah! ~ My Provider!
____________________________________
Rev. Andrew D. Burns ~ Pastor
Life Application Gospel Church
"Reaching the Lost & Equipping the Found"
www.lifeapp.org ~ [EMAIL PROTECTED]
_______________________________________________
The Golden Rule is my daily rule.
This message came through the [email protected] mailing list.
You may manage your subscription at
http://lists.rangernet.org/mailman/listinfo/rangernet
