The Same Principles Apply

April 16

Some taxpayers have a terrible time filling out that tax form—they are perhaps the ones who delayed doing so until yesterday’s deadline! It is easy to begrudge the long arm of the government sticking its hand into your pocket so it can spend your hard-earned money—perhaps in ways with which you do not agree.

Of course, as believers in Jesus, we all know that He desires that we give generously to help those who have a legitimate need. In Luke 3:11 He says, “The man with two cloaks should share with him who has none…” The Lord’s assessment regarding such generosity is, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive” Acts 20:35.

Jesus also addressed the concerns of the tax collectors who came to know Him as their Savior and His admonition to them was that they not extort taxes beyond what was legal to require as was generally done in that day. The Roman soldiers who followed Him were also concerned because of the role they were required to play.

To them Jesus stated that they must not require ‘protection’ money from the citizenry, nor must they accuse them falsely. Beyond that, He told them to be satisfied with their pay (Luke 3:12-14). The same principles apply today, for God’s requirements of honor and integrity do not change with the passage of time.