Taxes

“...Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  Matt 22:21

 

It is tax season, again! Tax season spans over one third of the year. Then, there are those summer property taxes due as well and can't forget quarterly estimated taxes, either. It does not bother me to pay taxes. I am just not thrilled with the filing of them. I procrastinate. I finally purchased and downloaded one tax program. I am still waiting for the business tax program to come in the mail since there were none available locally and I don't like downloading the program. I like my own copy on a disc. If my computer crashes, which it tends to do during tax season, it is easier if I don't have to remember the passwords.

 

Jesus was asked by the Pharisees if it was lawful to pay taxes to an emperor. This was a trick question. He was being asked if maybe giving tithes to someone other than God could be considered as idolatry. On the other hand if he said no, he would be denying the authority of the emperor to rule in this world. They were confounding the two kingdoms. Jesus responded by asking who's face was on the coin that the they paid this tax with. They brought forth a coin with Caesar's face. Then pay to Caesar what is Caesar's he told them.

 

We may find discomfort in parting with our savings to pay the taxes the government requests. But, do not worry. You are a child of the Kingdom of God. God will provide.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Television A Necessity?

Lately, about the only thing I have been watching on television are reruns of Mother Angelica. That's because I really haven't been able to find anything else worth watching. I woke up this morning and turned the television on so I could listen to some news and no satellite connection; so, no television. I often wonder why we waste the money on television. Oh, yes, I remember: football and no it is not me who watches football.

I don't watch too much television. I usually read the news online. Just about every time I sit down to watch something on television I think about the amount of money spent on this mindless entertainment.

I know more than a few people who are and have been unemployed for more than a year and no longer receive unemployment compensation. They are no longer counted in our lowering unemployment rates either. They are having a very difficult time putting groceries on the table; heating their homes; paying their rent or mortgages as others of us throw a hundred dollars a month away to watch blank television screens, football for a season, and reruns of Mother Angelica. I do find her interesting; but, not that interesting. It is not that I feel so guilty. It is more like disgusted. On the eve of the celebration of our Saviour's birth, when so many are struggling to keep shelter over their and their children's heads; when there are so many homeless in this country of such great wealth, how do we reconcile the extreme extravagance? I won't talk about the extreme amounts spent on cell phones this morning in order to "keep up with the Jones'." I, along with so many others, really must confess that I am not the steward of God's gifts that I could be.

I am; however, most grateful today and every day for all that God has given me. But, this Christmas Eve, I am praying for employment for the unemployed so that they might not have to worry over having enough for the very basics of life.

Heavenly Father, give all in need of gainful employment the means to provide their families with their daily bread.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. The wind just changed direction so the satellite signal is back on.

Ecclesiastes 6 - Stop and Smell the Roses

All those possessions and not able to enjoy them! Work, work, work in order to have all kinds of stuff to impress others, yet you have no time or energy left to enjoy life with family or friends. How meaningless is that?

Our days pass through like a fleeting shadow. Yes, you must work so that you can provide for your family. If your work is as it should be, to glorify God, you might even enjoy your labor. Imagine that - enjoying what you do! It is possible!

But, get rid of the shadow that is cast by greed and undisciplined desire and let the Son shine in and through you. Make sure you take the time to enjoy your family. Spend time with them - really be with them. Your money will go away when you die. It will do you no good, except maybe to buy a fancier coffin than your neighbor. And... what  memories of you will be left to your family when you are gone? Will they be good? Will the people you leave behind have memories of the joy that was found in your presence?

Being prosperous is not a bad thing. It can even be a good thing. Just remember to take time to enjoy those things you have worked for so hard with those who love you. As the saying goes: "Stop and smell the roses!"

God's Peace - Pr. J