In early March I sent my final payment of income taxes for the year 2000 to the IRS. I should be upset and whining as is the custom this time of year. After all, “It is my money and I deserve to keep more of it.”
When I see the amount of taxes I pay, I am reminded how greatly I have been blessed at the age of 64 to have the good health and ability to work and provide for my family.
I would like for my tax money to be used wisely and not wasted. But paying taxes is a privilege we have for living in this great country and enjoying its blessings.
Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s (Matt. 22:21). Notice He didn’t say anything about it being “your money and you deserve to keep more of it.”
Also notice he put just as much emphasis on giving to Caesar as to giving to God (maybe more since He mentioned Caesar first). Have you ever heard a preacher talk about “stewardship” and say, “It is your money and you deserve to keep more of it?”
Carl L. Hess
Dothan, Ala.
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