April 15, Tax Day

Romans 13:5-7 (NIV)

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

The apostle starts Romans 13 by saying in verse 1, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” God allows governments to be established for His purpose and the duty of a Christian is to honor and respect those who perform the duties of the government. If there are taxes to be paid, those taxes should be paid. If there are fees or other money matters that require payment, those too should be paid. There are times in which government abuses power. These abuses are not from God, but from sin which has moved from man into the governing body. Just as the body of Christ has Christians at various levels of faith and righteousness the government also has various levels of justice and responsibility. It is the responsibility of man to choose their leaders wisely; for their actions will determine their consequences.

Here in America it is the day in which taxes must be filed with the government. If you deal with anyone in government related to taxes remember to treat them with respect for they are just doing their job as they have been given. No one likes to pay taxes, especially when we see tax dollars misused. This is why it is so important to vote concerning God’s desires and not our own. For when we focus on God then our leadership should also focused on the duties of God. There will always be corruptness for there is nothing new under the sun. When corruptness occurs hopefully those who are just and right will step forward to deal with the issues.

Heavenly Father, I pray that each of us will take our responsibility as citizens seriously. I pray that we know the hearts and souls of those we elect and we take into account Your will and not our own. Father give us insight to elect leaders who serve justly and righteously. And let us honor and respect those elected to their positions. We may or may not always agree with policies made, but let us voice our opinions in the correct manner and ways. Father let us heed your words and act accordingly. Amen