Verse of the Day - Romans 13:6-7

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
~ Romans 13:6-7 (NIV)

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Ah, yes. Tax day. That one day of the year that causes people to cringe with that wallet-clenching grimace...

Why do so many wait til the last minute to file their taxes, anyway? 'Cuz they dread having to pay, or 'cuz it's just such a hassle to get all the receipts and stuff to the tax man, or I don't know. This day seems to cause more people angst than almost any other . . . unless, of course, a special occasion day (birthday or anniversary) that one forgets until the day arrives and no gift has been purchased . . . yes, that is definitely an anxiety-producing day, too. :-)

Here's what I say about taxes: We want social programs, but we don't want to pay for them. We want schools, and programs for special needs people, and a more thorough justice and penal system, and...and...and... I say we need to quit griping about paying our taxes, and be grateful for the society we live in, even if it's not the best system and has it's challenges.

Beyond what I say, God pretty much says the same thing. Pay your taxes. Governing officials are serving the Lord. Okay, I realize you might have a problem with that, considering that some are less-than-trustworthy (ding, ding, ding -- former Illinois governor comes to mind...), but time and again, God calls us to honor and respect the governing authorities, and to submit to the laws of the land. Taxes are a necessary part of government, and God puts on His Nike's and says, Just Do It.

Maybe today, we could look around and identify things and people who are supported through taxes, and thank God for their service or the help they're receiving through your portion of giving...

~ That elementary school you take your kids to
~ That police man you drive by (at the speed limit, of course :-)
~ That hospital where you have your doctor's appointment
~ That animal control officer that cares for lost/abandoned/injured/deceased animals

Now, if we could just pull a fish out of the water that has a coin in it's mouth for our taxes like Jesus did, we'd be in business! :-) Let's see, where did I put that fishing pole?!?!?

Love,
Joelene