_edited_edited.jpg)
In America, many of us recently took stock of our tax responsibilities as the Internal Revenue Service's filing deadline was on April 17, 2023.
Why do we pay Uncle Sam his taxes? Well, for one thing, our taxes go into a pot from which funds are drawn to pay for everything from potholes to national defense. Our taxes help pay for our public schools, community parks and much more.
Many of us faithfully pay our tax obligations because we also believe that some day we'll have access to a 'safety net' in the form of reduced health care costs and other benefits. Unfortunately, politicians are making it known that a certain generation of citizens will not enjoy any of the social security benefits received by the elderly and retired of years past.
And yet, we continue paying taxes into the systems of the world with a faith that we will benefit from it in someway. And this is scriptural for even Jesus said to give unto Caesar what is Caesar's (Mark 12:17). And He even paid his own taxes (Matthew 17:27).
Dear Christian brother and sister, are you paying your 'taxes' into the Kingdom of God? Are you investing into the things of God so you can draw your benefits now and in the future? Do you consistently give God His tithes and offerings, provide alms to the poor, praise the Lord, fast, pray as well as intercede for others? Are you giving of your time to spread the gospel? Are you teaching your children the word of God and investing in learning it yourself?
All of these are ways to deposit into God's 'safety net' - a treasure trove of goodness for you here on earth. These 'contributions' also help secure your ticket to and your residence in heaven. Unlike the world's systems, this safety net will never run out of resources and is available for you to tap into right now, not just years down the line. Further, there's no shifting of the proverbial goal post as has happened in France and elsewhere, where workers are being told they need to work for even more years if they ever hope to tap into their retirement benefits.
Pay your 'taxes', people, and you can tap into the blessings and benefits that come from God's kingdom at any time. Make this a priority. Psalm 32:10 - Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him.
God bless you!
LAST 10 MINUTES
Today we learned about investing in God's 'safety net' and the specific things we can do to achieve this.
I spend a lot of time encouraging folks do these things. There's a reason. A relationship with God requires two people. You on one side and the Lord on the other.
We can't expect to reap the benefits of relationship if we don't give God what is His. This is why we must do the things He's told us to as listed in the main post.
Our good sis @Cookie Doe shared that the Lord had placed it on her heart to tithe more. Is there something the Lord has placed a burden on your heart to do more?
If you want to commit to doing more, pick one thing in the list and commit to it for 30 consecutive days. Maybe practice listening to a worship song each day. Or stop at 3pm each day to simply say 'thank You God.' You could write down 30 people you know (family, coworkers, people/issues in the news) and say a short prayer for one person a day.
As long as you have breath in your lungs it is not too late to start investing in God's 'safety net.'
The Lord will help you, IJMN Amen.
So, how will you pay your spiritual 'taxes'?