Time to Pay Up!

Today is tax day in the United States. A time to square up with Uncle Sam for the benefits of working :

That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders. Romans 13: 6-7 (MSG)

While we may not like to pay taxes, or like the way our tax money is used; we do like the benefits every two weeks that comes from working.

What about the benefits that come from the Kingdom of God:

^-2 O my soul, bless God.
    From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
    don’t forget a single blessing!

^3-5     He forgives your sins—every one.
    He heals your diseases—every one.
    He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
    He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
    He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
    He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence. Psalm 103:2-5 (MSG)

We love to receive the benefits, but how often do we cringe when it’s time to pay tithes and offering? How often do we look to see how we can short change those Kingdom pay-outs, like we do when we’re paying Uncle Sam:

^23-24 He knew they were laying for him and said, “Show me a coin. Now, this engraving, who does it look like and what does it say?”

²⁵ “Caesar,” they said.

Jesus said, “Then give Caesar what is his and give God what is his.” Luke 20:24-26 (MSG)

Both giving to God and giving to Caesar are our just due – we receive benefits from both. Above all we don’t want to be short-changed by either – let’s have a different attitude about paying up!

Maria