FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 13:5–7: Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 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.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
Any citizen can obey the law because of fear of punishment, but a Christian ought to obey because of conscience. Of course, if the government interferes with conscience, then the Christian must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). If we do not pay our taxes, we show disrespect to the law, the officials, and the Lord. And this cannot but affect the conscience of the believer. We may not agree with all that is done with the money we pay in taxes. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
Jesus said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Luke 20:25
Pay up! It is a simple lesson of life. Give to God the things that are God’s, and give to the government what belongs to them. Once you give yourself fully to God, submitting to others becomes rather easy, because you have already submitted to the greater authority. Your response will reveal who really rules your life.
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
Paying taxes is not an option, and neither is honoring God with the first fruits of your pay check or financial windfall.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
…For God loves a cheerful giver… 2 Corinthians 9:7
Dear Father, may there be great joy in what I receive, and in what I return.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 557). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
