RENDER UNTO CAESAR

365 Days of Thanksliving — Day 132

Here’s an interesting factoid you probably didn’t ask for, but you’re getting anyway: Did you know the American Colonists went to war with the King over a taxation rate of only 1–2%? Yup. They were ready to throw hands (and tea) over paying King Charlie a pittance compared to what their English brethren back in the motherland were shelling out—which was about ten times that amount.

I guess George III was just as "ambitious" back then as Uncle Sam is today. Actually, looking at the math, Uncle Sam might be the greedier of the two. The Nation’s Capital always demands its pound of flesh... and apparently, so does "Timmy W" and the folks up in St. Paul.

Now, the Founders’ main gripe was that they had zero representation, whereas the English at least had some folks sitting in Parliament. But let's be real—do we actually have representation today? Or are our "representatives" mostly just representing their own career longevity? I’ll leave that for you to decide over your evening tea or morning coffee.

I’m not trying to step into controversial waters or anything. Perish the thought! I’m just an innocent little pastor with angel’s wings... Hahaha.

Just to clarify for all those "minders" and Karens on the interwebs: I’m not calling for a revolution. I really don’t need the Feds knocking on my door and hauling me away without due process—because, as we all know, our government would never do such a thing.

That said, I’m sure you love paying taxes just as much as I do. Please note the totality of my sarcasm there; it’s currently at full throttle.

If you haven’t guessed by now, today was "Tax Day" in our house. It’s not like I was procrastinating or anything. Okay, maybe a little. While the deadline is still a few days off, I’ll be head-deep in church business by Wednesday, so today was the day. We could’ve filed earlier, I suppose, but what would be the fun in that? It’s not like we were waiting on a refund check to hit the mailbox.

Since I have to self-report, my tax bill arrives all at once, and oh my gracious, was it a doozy this year. Thank goodness for deductions and whatever the "current administration" calls their latest tax policies. But UFFDAH BUFFDAH... cha-ching, cha-ching. Render unto Caesar, right?

Now, hear me loud and clear: I wasn’t exactly "walking on sunshine" while finalizing the return. Katrina and the Waves definitely weren’t providing the soundtrack to my afternoon.

That said, I am thankful for some of the things our tax dollars fund: the men and women who protect the homeland, and a decent interstate system that helps us get from Point A to Point B lickety-split. I suppose I’m thankful for a few other things, too... I just can’t think of them at the moment.

And while I’m grateful for those services, it’s really the Good Lord I have to thank—not that He’s the one imposing the taxes. Trust me, if the IRS was His idea, the paperwork would be a lot shorter.

Truthfully, I’m thankful for our Heavenly Father who graciously called me to such a wonderful congregation. I’m blessed with folks who are generous with their financial gifts, which in turn provides the income that allows us to render unto Caesar his pound of flesh without going hungry.

Speaking of Ceasar, you remember the story, right? The Pharisees once tried to trap Jesus with a Roman coin; they wanted to know his "political stance" on the tax man. Jesus gave them that famous line:

"Well then, give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s."  - Luke 20:25, HCSB

Jesus was always more concerned about the state of the Pharisees' hearts than he was about the King’s treasury. The same is true for us today.

I’m thankful the Good Lord placed me in such a wonderful nation that offers a good life. I’m thankful He gave me wonderful parents and a solid upbringing; they taught me the value of an honest day’s work and the drive to build something meaningful. And along with all that, I suppose I’m thankful I actually have the ability to pay taxes to help fund this operation.

But man... wouldn’t it be nice if Uncle Sammy sent a "thank you" note once in a while? Hey, if any of you know him, send him my blog. Maybe he’ll get the hint.

Hahaha! Be well, everyone. I’ll see ya on the flip-side.