Daily Devotional
Does God Want You to Pay Taxes?
“For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”
Romans 13:6-7
March 15, 2023
Ponder This
Jesus paid His taxes; you ought to pay your taxes. As a matter of fact, there’s a wonderful story from when it was time for Jesus to pay His taxes. (See Matthew 17:24-27.) He told Peter (paraphrased), “Go cast a hook in the sea. Take the first fish that comes up and look in his mouth; you’ll find a coin.” Jesus said, “I’m a citizen of another world but I’m doing this lest I should offend.” Now, ever-increasing taxes are a burden, but we are to pay for our government. We’re to render all their due, custom to whom custom, and so forth. Jesus said, “Give to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar.” And Jesus said, “Render to God the things that belong to God.” To God is our highest, greatest allegiance, but God has also called us to submit to the governing authorities He has put in place.
- Have you ever considered paying your taxes as a way to be obedient to God? Why or why not?
- How does following Jesus’ instruction in this area help you to better trust Him with all your life?
Practice This
Pray for the money that you are paying in your taxes; ask God to use it for His purposes and help you give it honestly.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
