DAY 41: Pay Your Taxes!

“But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.” - Matthew 22:18-22 

The Pharisees plotted how they might trick Jesus into saying something that would get Him into trouble. They tried to provoke Him by asking Him, “Is it right to pay taxes or not?” 

But He didn’t take the bait. 

With the wisdom that can only come from God, He asked to see money used to pay the tax. On the Denarius was the inscription and picture of Caesar. Jesus’ simple instruction: “Give to Ceasar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” 

That is what you are going to do today. 

#1 - Pay your Taxes: 
You live in a country with a representative government. Like it or hate it, it takes money to run government... ie-taxes. I have actually talked to Christians who say, “If 10% is good enough for God, then it’s good enough for the US Government!” I appreciate the sentiment, but you don’t get to decide that. Work with a tax advisor and BE HONEST. If you owe Federal taxes, pay them. If you owe state taxes, pay them. If you have purposely lied about your income to pay less taxes, REPENT... and pay them. whose portrait and inscription is on money? The US Government’s. So pay them what you OWE. 

#2 - Give Unto God: 
You are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26) and have His fingerprints all over you (Psalm 134:14). So go ahead and give God what you owe Him... yourself! Take 15 minutes today and present YOURSELF to God (II Timothy 2:15). Spend time with Jesus and just tell Him, "I am yours, what do you want from me??"

Psssst. Give and it will come BACK! (Luke 6:38)