It’s tax day and if for any reason you didn’t know it, you may have an unpleasant surprise awaiting you.
Late last night I wrote the last check and signed the last return. Amazing, even on those rare occasions when a refund is in order, I still seem to wait until the last minute. Actually I am ahead of the game today. All I have to do is go to the post office.
Somewhere I read how dangerous today is. More accidents occur this day than almost any other day. Some people surmise we are rushing to the post office or are distracted because we are thinking about taxes.
How are we supposed to respond to this tax day?
First, be the best citizen of the kingdom of God. Being the best citizen of God’s kingdom will help you be a better citizen of your home country. Do the big things–vote, run for public office, lead a volunteer organization, pick up paper in the parking lot. Christians should be the very best citizens. Being a good citizen of God’s kingdom will make you a great citizen of any other kingdom.
Second, make sure that you participate as much as possible. Those of us who live in democracies should vote and encourage strong participation in making our countries better places. This helps fulfill God’s plan for us to live quiet and peaceful lives while giving an account for the hope that is within us (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; 1 Peter 3:15-16).
Third, pay your taxes and seek the welfare of the place where God has placed you (Romans 13:6-7). Give respect to those who govern as those who have a responsibility before God.
Fourth, pray for those in authority. Paul did not live in a perfect system, but he recognized the responsibility to God to pray for those in authority. As we seek the welfare of those who lead, we provide for our own welfare as we are allowed to lead quiet and peaceful lives. We should be thankful for the opportunity to practice our faith in godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Finally, live holy lives and encourage others to do so as well. The prophets of the Old Testament called the people to obedience to God. We should not do anything less.
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One Response
An important day in the debate. “Debate” being our argument for others to join God. Who wants to join with someone who is not thankful for their Blessings? Who wants to be alone when confronted with evil? Evil is a cleaver predator. It knows how to cut its target out of the herd and run it down until it gives up, alone. Interesting how often the people, Saints, one expects to be there in times of trouble are, no where to be found. The common sense approach is when someone is having troubles, especially on a continual basis, there must be something wrong with that individual. “Best to stay away!” Thank you God for providing the Book of Job as a reminder that most of the time a hardship, just isn’t really that bad; and that there is a purpose in all this grief. It gives others an opportunity to identify whose they really are to themselves as well as the Church.
It is the job of the Body to come together with its many gifts and talents to defend Truth. To come together to confront Demons with the Power of Heaven on Earth. It is a Joy to see as much done under your leadership Dr. Bailey as I have seen anywhere. Sadly, it is not an experience I have witnessed often. Much can be accomplished from ones prayer closet. However, that is not were the open debate is won. The World does not see inside the prayer closet. The World sees the feet of the Prayer Warrior. The World also sees if the Prayer Warrior is standing alone. Stephen stood alone filled with the Holy Spirit proclaiming God’s Word. The Saints stood by with the World as he was stoned to death. Thank you Lord for Saints who stand and face down Evil who divides and seems to be conquering. We may pray, “Even so Lord come quickly,” yet while the debate continues and others say Romans 12:21 but are content to let the job of doing be done by others: from a safe distance as they wonder, “What is good?”
“Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with Good.” If you have read this I pray you realize that the context is set forth for a Citizen of Heaven on Earth to grow Heaven’s Citizenship and WIN the DEBATE! AMEN.