It is tax time again. It is interesting to note places taxes are mentioned in the Bible. Citizens were subject to assessment and were burdened with taxes (2 Kings 23:35; Esther 10:1). There was a flat tax (1 Samuel 8:15). People had to borrow money to pay their taxes (Nehemiah 5:4). Some were arrested for tax evasion (2 Kings 17:4). Clergy claimed an exemption (Ezra 7:24). Tax collector’s were not well thought of (Matthew 18:17) and were advised not to cheat others in performing their duties(Luke 3:12-13). By the same token, those paying taxes were not to cheat the government either (Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25). It was taxation (Per capita) that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-5). Jesus paid taxes and provided the funds for one of His disciples to pay what he owed (Matthew 17:24-27). He ate with many tax collectors (Mark 2:15) and even called one of them to be His disciple (Luke 5:27-28). A tax collector even wrote one of the Gospels (Mathew 9:9). Taxes have been a part of society for a long time. It is necessary for governments to protect its citizens and provide for the common good, and that is why its citizens are to pay taxes (Romans 13:6-7).
Showing posts with label Money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Money. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Rendering Unto Caesar
It is tax time again. It is interesting to note places taxes are mentioned in the Bible. Citizens were subject to assessment and were burdened with taxes (2 Kings 23:35; Esther 10:1). There was a flat tax (1 Samuel 8:15). People had to borrow money to pay their taxes (Nehemiah 5:4). Some were arrested for tax evasion (2 Kings 17:4). Clergy claimed an exemption (Ezra 7:24). Tax collector’s were not well thought of (Matthew 18:17) and were advised not to cheat others in performing their duties(Luke 3:12-13). By the same token, those paying taxes were not to cheat the government either (Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25). It was taxation (Per capita) that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-5). Jesus paid taxes and provided the funds for one of His disciples to pay what he owed (Matthew 17:24-27). He ate with many tax collectors (Mark 2:15) and even called one of them to be His disciple (Luke 5:27-28). A tax collector even wrote one of the Gospels (Mathew 9:9). Taxes have been a part of society for a long time. It is necessary for governments to protect its citizens and provide for the common good, and that is why its citizens are to pay taxes (Romans 13:6-7).
Friday, October 31, 2008
Voting Priorities
It seems that the issue that is driving the election is the wallet. Each candidates promotes their economic policy to the neglect of all others. Taxes, jobs, trade, and healthcare are issues that are driven by monetary concern. Bailouts and Wall Street hit the headlines. Redistribution of wealth, congressional earmarks and costly wardrobes are brought up as attack issues to sway voters away from opponents.
Unlike many who see money as the primary issue, I consider it a secondary issue in much the same way I consider embezzlement secondary to homicide. When the issue of abortion is brought into the picture, monetary issues pale in comparison. For me, where a candidate stands on the issue of abortion is much more important to me than how much money they can put in my wallet. Of course, the ideal would be to have a candidate who can protect the life of the unborn and to keep me out of the poor house at the same time. But, if push comes to shove, I must pull the lever for the unborn child. To cast aside the issue of abortion in favor of economics is to put a price on each life lost to abortion.
As a Christian, my vote should match my faith. The fact that humankind is made in God's image (Genesis 1:27) should be reason enough to vote against abortion. Psalm 139:13-14 speaks of the beauty of the baby not yet born. In contrast, to place to much importance of money leads to wickedness (1 Timothy 6:10). To make the economy the overriding factor in an election is to give it sway over God's creative choice. We are warned that we can not serve God and money (Luke 16:13). Choose life. God did.
Unlike many who see money as the primary issue, I consider it a secondary issue in much the same way I consider embezzlement secondary to homicide. When the issue of abortion is brought into the picture, monetary issues pale in comparison. For me, where a candidate stands on the issue of abortion is much more important to me than how much money they can put in my wallet. Of course, the ideal would be to have a candidate who can protect the life of the unborn and to keep me out of the poor house at the same time. But, if push comes to shove, I must pull the lever for the unborn child. To cast aside the issue of abortion in favor of economics is to put a price on each life lost to abortion.
As a Christian, my vote should match my faith. The fact that humankind is made in God's image (Genesis 1:27) should be reason enough to vote against abortion. Psalm 139:13-14 speaks of the beauty of the baby not yet born. In contrast, to place to much importance of money leads to wickedness (1 Timothy 6:10). To make the economy the overriding factor in an election is to give it sway over God's creative choice. We are warned that we can not serve God and money (Luke 16:13). Choose life. God did.
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